Defra Announces Ban on Single-Use Vapes from June 2025

The UK government has confirmed that the sale of disposable vapes will be banned across England and Wales from June 2025. This move, aimed at tackling both environmental damage and public health concerns, was first announced earlier this year but has now been officially laid before Parliament. The ban is expected to be enacted next summer, giving businesses time to clear existing stock before the deadline.

Scotland was due to implement a ban from April of next year, however the Scottish government has announced it will now be delayed until the 1st of June 2025 to align with England & Wales.

Widely used for their convenience, disposable vapes have increasingly become a significant environmental issue. According to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), nearly five million of these single-use products are discarded or littered every week. These vapes are notoriously difficult to recycle, often containing lithium batteries and plastic components that end up in general waste, posing risks to both the environment and waste processing facilities.

The environmental consequences of improperly discarded vapes are substantial. Many disposable vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, which, if not disposed of correctly, can leak hazardous substances such as battery acid and mercury into the soil and water. In 2022 alone, discarded vapes contained more than 40 tonnes of lithium—enough to power around 5,000 electric vehicles. This represents a significant loss of a valuable resource, further highlighting the need for responsible disposal and recycling practices.

Additionally, vapes that are thrown into general waste can cause fires in waste-processing facilities and refuse collection vehicles due to the batteries. This has led to hundreds of incidents each year, increasing both the risks and costs of managing waste.

The ban on disposable vapes is part of a broader effort to reduce waste and promote a circular economy, where resources are reused and repurposed rather than disposed of after a single use. As Mary Creagh, Circular Economy Minister, noted, single-use vapes are “extremely wasteful” and contribute to the UK’s “throwaway culture.” By phasing them out, the government aims to reduce environmental harm and drive innovation in more sustainable product design and recycling solutions.

While the ban is a significant step forward, the challenges of recycling vape products remain. Currently, there is no efficient process in place for the mass recycling of disposable vapes, which means millions of units continue to end up in landfills. The introduction of this ban provides an opportunity for businesses and the recycling industry to work together on developing better collection and recycling schemes for existing stock and future products.

Scott Butler, Executive Director at Material Focus, advocates for a dedicated recycling category for vapes, highlighting that new models like “rechargeable disposables,” “pods,” and “Big Puff” devices often evade current and upcoming regulations. He also notes that many producers are neglecting their collection and recycling obligations, leaving a significant gap in responsible waste management for these products.

As the ban comes into effect, it is vital that businesses ensure they are disposing of their remaining stock responsibly, partnering with certified waste management and recycling services to prevent harmful materials from entering the environment.

In summary, the ban on disposable vapes marks a crucial step in reducing the environmental impact of these products. While it will help reduce waste and limit the release of harmful chemicals into the environment, it also highlights the need for improved recycling systems and responsible waste management practices.