UK to Forbid Single-Use Vapes in Crackdown on Waste, Youth Use

In a bid to curb rising waste and youth vaping, the UK government has announced a ban on single-use vapes, effective June 1, Bloomberg reports.

The move comes as the country faces a growing environmental and health crisis linked to the proliferation of these disposable devices.

The ban, subject to parliamentary approval, is a direct response to the alarming increase in vape usage and its associated waste. The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) cited a fivefold increase in vape usage between 2012 and 2023, with 9.1% of the British public now buying them. This surge has led to a staggering 5 million single-use vapes ending up as litter every week, a fourfold increase from the previous year. The discarded batteries pose a significant fire risk, adding to the environmental concerns.

While authorities recognize the potential of vapes to aid adult smokers in quitting, the government is particularly concerned by the rising trend of children and teenagers using the devices. Despite a ban on selling vapes or tobacco to anyone under 18, brightly-colored vapes with enticing flavors have become increasingly appealing to younger generations.

The ban allows businesses until June 1st to sell existing stock. The decision follows the previous Conservative administration’s pledge to create a smoke-free generation by banning cigarette sales to anyone currently aged 14 or under. The Labour government has reaffirmed its commitment to this policy.