From Sunday 1 June 2025, the sale and supply of single-use vapes will be banned across the UK, as the government acts to curb the growing environmental and public health impacts of disposable vaping products.
The ban, announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in October 2024, applies to all single-use vapes—whether they contain nicotine or not—and includes both in-store and online sales. Only reusable vapes, defined as rechargeable and refillable devices, will remain legal for sale.
CIWM has welcomed the ban as a necessary intervention in tackling a complex and hazardous waste stream.
“The introduction of a disposable vape ban is a sensible step in the right direction for managing a challenging waste stream and supporting circular economy principles,” said Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at CIWM. “Tackling the environmental impact of single-use items is a key part of minimising unnecessary waste and building a more circular and sustainable planet.”
Tackling the environmental impact of single-use items is a key part of minimising unnecessary waste and building a more circular and sustainable planet
Disposable vapes are notoriously difficult to recycle due to their mixed material composition, which includes critical raw materials like lithium and copper. Their improper disposal poses fire risks in waste facilities and contributes to litter across towns and countryside.
Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, also voiced support for the legislation: “Nearly half of all clean-ups undertaken by our volunteers last year found these harmful products. They’re a blight on our communities, a danger to wildlife, and near impossible to recycle. We warmly welcome Welsh Government’s decision to ban single-use vapes—something we’ve been calling for in recent years.”
Alongside environmental concerns, the government has cited the rapid rise in youth vaping as a further rationale for the measure.
“The single-use vape ban being introduced will help us to protect children and young people from vape products so that they never start vaping and avoid the harms caused by nicotine addiction,” said Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Businesses found in breach of the ban may face fines or prosecution. The Office for Product Safety and Standards will enforce compliance, with Trading Standards monitoring activity. Additionally, retailers must continue to offer a take-back scheme for vape products under existing Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations.
Around 2,000 retailers in Wales alone have already received guidance on their legal obligations, including how to safely dispose of existing stock and maintain compliance with recycling requirements.
CIWM has reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, businesses and sector partners to ensure a smooth transition and to support longer-term solutions for the sustainable management of vaping products.
“This is an important milestone,” added Dan Cooke. “But it must be part of a wider, ongoing effort to reduce waste, protect resources and support the transition to a world beyond waste.”