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ITV News
2 days ago
- Health
- ITV News
Disposable vapes ban comes into force - here's everything you need to know
A ban on disposable vapes has come into force in the UK, making it illegal for retailers to sell them both in shops and online. The change in law is aimed at reducing vaping amongst young people, as well as the litter they create. The ban on disposable vapes - also known as single-use vapes - applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and includes all disposable vapes, whether or not they contain nicotine. Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. The crackdown follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a flood of plastic rubbish from the discarding of the devices. What vapes are banned? The government is banning single-use vapes - meaning they either have a battery that cannot be recharged or is not refillable. They are typically thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled. Even when they are recycled, they need to be taken apart by hand, while their batteries are a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. A reusable vape has a rechargeable battery and a refillable container that holds the vaping e-liquid. Why has the government banned them? The change in law has been brought in to prevent the environmental damage caused by vapes, while addressing health concerns from inhaling nicotine. In 2023, up to five million single-use vapes were estimated to be either littered or thrown away every week in the UK – almost four times as many as the previous year. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said England's vape usage had grown by more than 400% between 2012 and 2023, with 9.1% of Brits now buying and using the products. Figures from the charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) suggest the number of vapers in Great Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, while the use of disposables by 18 to 24-year-old vapers fell from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. Defra said usage among young vapers remained too high, and the ban would 'put an end to their alarming rise in school playgrounds and the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation's streets'. Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: 'For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today. 'The Government calls time on these nasty devices.' Who does the ban apply to? The ban applies to all businesses and organisations that sell or supply single-use vapes in the UK. This includes: retailers – such as convenience stores, market stalls, petrol stations, specialist vape shops and supermarkets manufacturers wholesalers importers healthcare settings and stop smoking services Retailers must arrange to recycle any leftover stock of single-use vapes from 1 June 2025. What will happen to retailers that continue to sell them? Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending. How else is the government toughening smoking laws? The separate Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aimed at creating the "first smoke-free generation," is currently working its way through Parliament. The bill includes powers to potentially restrict the packaging, marketing and flavours of e-cigarettes.
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Disposable vapes officially banned in the UK from today
Fancy a disposable Elfbar or Lost Mary? You're out of luck. As of today, disposable vapes are now banned from the shelves of all shops in the UK. The crackdown on the devices, also known as single-use vapes, makes it illegal for any retailer, ranging from corner shops to supermarkets, to sell them. The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes, whether or not they contain nicotine. Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. The single-use vape ban follows the soaring use of them in schools and a flood of plastic rubbish from the discarding of the devices. Disposable vapes are non-refillable and unable to be recharged, and are typically thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled. Even when they are recycled, they need to be taken apart by hand, while their batteries are a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending. The Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) found the number of vapers in Great Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said usage among young vapers remained too high, and the ban would 'put an end to their alarming rise in school playgrounds and the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation's streets'. Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: 'For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today. The Government calls time on these nasty devices.' Ash deputy chief executive Caroline Cerny said: 'It's promising to see that many people switched away from disposable vapes to re-usable products well ahead of the ban. 'This is particularly marked among young people, who were more likely to use disposable products due to their attractiveness, affordability, and heavy marketing. 'If behaviour does not change then further regulations will be possible following the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.' Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman added: 'We strongly support robust enforcement activity, starting with the businesses that are already openly flouting the rules by selling illicit products and who will continue to sell disposable vapes once they're outlawed.' More Trending The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) said its members had moved quickly to bring new fully compliant products to market well ahead of the June 1 deadline, but warned of 'serious unintended consequences'. 'Vaping was invented to help adult smokers quit and disposable products became the most successful vape products to do so because they are simple to use and most closely replicate the sensation of smoking,' UKVIA director general John Dunne said. 'We are concerned that this ban will encourage former smokers who have already transitioned from cigarettes – which kill 220 people every day in the UK – to return to combustible tobacco or opt for unregulated vapes. 'We also have clear evidence, from countries including the USA and Australia, showing that black market, counterfeit and illicit vape sales spiked when vape bans and restrictions are introduced.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Lidl urgently pulls popular protein snack from shelves over 'health risks' MORE: Peak District visitors could face £1 entry fee to 'access incredible landscape' MORE: Royal Navy scrambled to monitor Russian ship loitering in UK waters
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
UK Implements Ban on Single-Use E-Cigarettes
Israa Farhan The United Kingdom has officially prohibited the sale of single-use e-cigarettes starting Sunday, following the example of Belgium and France. These disposable vaping devices, known for their colorful designs and sweet flavors, have gained popularity among young people since their introduction in 2021. Single-use e-cigarettes have been widely available across UK streets, contributing to nicotine addiction among children and teenagers. The ban targets the sale and distribution of these inexpensive products, with penalties including fines of £200 ($269) for first offences and potential imprisonment of up to two years for repeat violations. This legislation was initiated under the previous Conservative government and has now taken effect. Reports from the non-profit organization Material Focus reveal that around five million single-use e-cigarettes were discarded weekly in the UK in 2024, resulting in over 40 tonnes of lithium waste annually. This amount of lithium could power approximately 5,000 electric vehicles, and the discarded waste presents fire risks in household rubbish. Data from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) indicates that 11% of adults in the UK—about 5.6 million people—use e-cigarettes. Among young people aged 11 to 17, 18% (around 980,000 individuals) reported using e-cigarettes in 2024. The new law aims to reduce e-cigarette use among youth while maintaining access to products that support smoking cessation. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not produce harmful tar or carbon monoxide but still contain highly addictive nicotine. Following the announcement of the ban, the use of single-use e-cigarettes has declined significantly. Among e-cigarette users aged 18 to 24, the proportion using disposable devices dropped from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. Earlier this year, France and Belgium became the first European countries to ban single-use e-cigarettes, with Ireland currently considering similar measures. Industry representatives warn that the ban could encourage the growth of a black market, increasing the circulation of potentially unsafe products. The law criminalizes the sale of single-use e-cigarettes but does not prohibit their use, raising concerns about enforcement and public safety. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Disposable vapes banned in Scotland from midnight in bid to clean up health and streets
The ban is in force across the UK from tomorrow. Disposable vapes are banned from the shelves of all shops from Sunday in a bid to cut their use among young people as well as the "avalanche" of litter they create. The crackdown on the devices, also known as single-use vapes, makes it illegal for any retailer - ranging from corner shops to supermarkets - to sell them. The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. It follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a flood of plastic rubbish from the discarding of the devices. Disposable vapes are non-refillable and unable to be recharged, and are typically thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled. Even when they are recycled, they need to be taken apart by hand, while their batteries are a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Figures from the charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) suggests the number of vapers in Great Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, while the use of disposables by 18 to 24-year-old vapers fell from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said usage among young vapers remained too high, and the ban would "put an end to their alarming rise in school playgrounds and the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation's streets". Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: "For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today. The Government calls time on these nasty devices." Ash deputy chief executive Caroline Cerny said: "It's promising to see that many people switched away from disposable vapes to re-usable products well ahead of the ban. "This is particularly marked among young people, who were more likely to use disposable products due to their attractiveness, affordability, and heavy marketing. "This new law is a step towards reducing vaping among children, while ensuring products are available to support people to quit smoking. It will be up to manufacturers and retailers to ensure customers are informed and able to reuse and recycle their products securing a real change in consumer behaviour and a reduction in environmental waste. "If behaviour does not change then further regulations will be possible following the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill." Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: "We have been working with retailers, the Government and Trading Standards for months on providing detailed guidance that sets out how to spot non-compliant vapes after the ban comes into force, as well as advising retailers on what they need to do with any stock of disposables left over on June 1. "We strongly support robust enforcement activity, starting with the businesses that are already openly flouting the rules by selling illicit product and who will continue to sell disposable vapes once they're outlawed. "It is essential that Trading Standards teams are given the resources they need to get illegal vapes and other products off the streets, as these rogue businesses undermine the work of responsible retailers across the country." The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) said its members had moved quickly to bring new fully compliant products to market well ahead of the June 1 deadline, but warned of "serious unintended consequences" of bans as a regulatory measure. UKVIA director general John Dunne said: "Vaping was invented to help adult smokers quit and disposable products became the most successful vape products to do so because they are simple to use and most closely replicate the sensation of smoking. "We are concerned that this ban will encourage former smokers who have already transitioned from cigarettes - which kill 220 people every day in the UK - to return to combustible tobacco or opt for unregulated vapes. "We also have clear evidence, from countries including the USA and Australia, showing that black market, counterfeit and illicit vape sales spiked when vape bans and restrictions are introduced." The separate Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently working its way through Parliament, also includes powers to potentially restrict the packaging, marketing and flavours of e-cigarettes.
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Disposable vapes ban to come into force in bid to improve health and cut litter
The crackdown on the devices, also known as single-use vapes, makes it illegal for any retailer – ranging from corner shops to supermarkets – to sell them. The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. It follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a flood of plastic rubbish from the discarding of the devices. Disposable vapes are non-refillable and unable to be recharged, and are typically thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled. Even when they are recycled, they need to be taken apart by hand, while their batteries are a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending. Figures from the charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) suggests the number of vapers in Great Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, while the use of disposables by 18 to 24-year-old vapers fell from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said usage among young vapers remained too high, and the ban would 'put an end to their alarming rise in school playgrounds and the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation's streets'. Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: 'For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today. 'The Government calls time on these nasty devices.' Ash deputy chief executive Caroline Cerny said: 'It's promising to see that many people switched away from disposable vapes to re-usable products well ahead of the ban. This is particularly marked among young people, who were more likely to use disposable products due to their attractiveness, affordability, and heavy marketing. 'This new law is a step towards reducing vaping among children, while ensuring products are available to support people to quit smoking. It will be up to manufacturers and retailers to ensure customers are informed and able to reuse and recycle their products securing a real change in consumer behaviour and a reduction in environmental waste. 'If behaviour does not change then further regulations will be possible following the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.' Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: 'We have been working with retailers, the Government and Trading Standards for months on providing detailed guidance that sets out how to spot non-compliant vapes after the ban comes into force, as well as advising retailers on what they need to do with any stock of disposables left over on June 1. 'We strongly support robust enforcement activity, starting with the businesses that are already openly flouting the rules by selling illicit product and who will continue to sell disposable vapes once they're outlawed. 'It is essential that Trading Standards teams are given the resources they need to get illegal vapes and other products off the streets, as these rogue businesses undermine the work of responsible retailers across the country.' The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) said its members had moved quickly to bring new fully compliant products to market well ahead of the June 1 deadline, but warned of 'serious unintended consequences' of bans as a regulatory measure. UKVIA director general John Dunne said: 'Vaping was invented to help adult smokers quit and disposable products became the most successful vape products to do so because they are simple to use and most closely replicate the sensation of smoking. 'We are concerned that this ban will encourage former smokers who have already transitioned from cigarettes – which kill 220 people every day in the UK – to return to combustible tobacco or opt for unregulated vapes. 'We also have clear evidence, from countries including the USA and Australia, showing that black market, counterfeit and illicit vape sales spiked when vape bans and restrictions are introduced.' The separate Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently working its way through Parliament, also includes powers to potentially restrict the packaging, marketing and flavours of e-cigarettes.
