The disposable vape ban is set to come into force this weekend, with many vapers having to choose between buying a reusable device or stopping completely
Vapes have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, with usage growing by 400% between 2012 and 2023. However, this Sunday (June 1), single-use vapes will be outlawed, forcing vapers to choose between buying a reusable device or stopping completely.
From June 1st, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply single-use or disposable vapes. This applies to sales online and in shops of all vapes, whether or not they contain nicotine.
The government justified its outright ban of the vapes by labelling them an “inefficient use of critical resources” that are often discarded as litter, “spoiling our communities, introducing harmful substances into the soil, rivers and streams, and causing harm to biodiversity.”
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Analysis by Material Focus found that an estimated 8.2 million vapes are now thrown away or littered every week in the UK, the equivalent of 13 every second. The government said: “When single-use vapes are thrown into black bins they often end up in landfill or are incinerated, which means critical resources are lost. They can also cause fires, which risks the safety of waste management workers, firefighters and the public.”
The government also hope the ban will curb the rise in children vaping, which has been growing in popularity among those between the ages of 11-15. NHS figures from 2023 showed that nearly a quarter of children in the 4-year age gap had tried vaping, while 1 in 10 did it often.
Any businesses in England failing to comply with the single-use vape ban could face a stop notice or fine of £200 in the first instance, with all products seized by Trading Standards. However, if further infractions occur, they could be hit with an unlimited fine or be prosecuted.
A recent survey, commissioned by übbs Pouches, shows that ahead of Sunday’s ban, a quarter of vape users have stockpiled the disposable devices. The survey of 1,000 adults who use single-use vapes found they have nine weeks’ worth of the soon-to-be banned product stashed away.
Over 50% were found to be ‘worried’ about the ban, with 38% anxious about potential withdrawal symptoms. While 42% said they are ‘likely’ to turn to unregulated black market vapes once disposable options are banned from shops.
The study revealed that 36% are against the ban, while 9% were unaware of it before participating in the research. However, 40% of those surveyed support the move to abolish such products. The research also discovered that single-use vapers spend an average of £41 a month, using up 13 devices over that period.
A spokesperson for übbs Pouches stated: “For those who use disposable vapes, there’s no getting away from it, they are going to disappear from stores and while many of those polled have stocked up on supplies in anticipation of the ban, they won’t last forever.
“For those worried about transitioning away from disposables there are plenty of alternative options which are regulated – but unregulated options should be avoided.”
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