21-05-2025
Brits face £600 bin fine ahead of upcoming law change
After the ban, experts are warning the public about the dangers of disposing of old vapes.
The ban is designed to deter vape use, but reports show that many people are either stockpiling disposable vapes or switching to reusable models, meaning the problem of binning old vapes is likely to persist.
WEEE waste experts at say it doesn't appear that the ban is effectively deterring people from vaping completely. Only 17% of people dispose of their vapes correctly.
From 1 June 2025, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply all single-use vapes. The ban includes all 'disposable' vapes which are not refillable and use a battery which cannot be recharged. This applies to sales online and in shops.
Visit — Monmouthshire / Sir Fynwy (@MonmouthshireCC) May 17, 2025
Many people mistakenly believe that vapes can be tossed into their regular bin at home.
However, they're actually classed as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), which has strict rules for disposal.
When vapes are disposed of in household bins, this can lead to fires in bin trucks and at waste management sites, posing a huge risk to workers and the public.
Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and ignite when damaged or crushed. If vapes enter bin lorries or waste management facilities, this is a common occurrence as waste is compressed.
WEEE waste is classed as hazardous or controlled waste that must be disposed of separately to prevent environmental harm. Therefore, you can be fined up to £600 if you breach your household waste duty of care.
Recommended reading:
Graham Matthews, WEEE expert at said: 'The ban on disposable vapes is certainly a step in the right direction. However, it's concerning to see it hasn't had the desired effect with many people simply stockpiling or switching to reusable models.
"While a reusable vape is still the preferred option, the lack of education surrounding correct disposal means we're likely to see vape-related bin and waste fires continue.
'Vaping is a habit that many will find hard to quit, or are reluctant to attempt, so a better alternative is to focus on educating the public about the risk of improper disposal. With vapes technically classed as WEEE, we would encourage councils to crack down on people placing these in general waste and step up the issuing of fines as a deterrent.'
