Retailers call for disposal scheme, not outright ban, for single use vapes

A disposal scheme rather than an outright ban on single use vapes would help the government achieve its aim to prevent littering, independent retailers have said.

Responding to news that a ban on disposable vapes would take effect in England and Wales from June 1, 2025, Mo Razzaq, National President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed), said, “Vape retailers are responsible, and many offer a recycling option.

"Rather than banning disposable vapes, the government should be looking at making available more ways that these products can be disposed of safely and in an environmentally friendly way.

“The Fed has previously called for the introduction of a disposal scheme – similar to the deposit return scheme for single use drinks containers – and we repeat this call today as we still believe that this would better address the government’s concerns on the environmental impact that single use vape products have.”

Independent retailers also fear that next summer’s ban would fuel the market in illicit vapes, Mr Razzaq warned.

He said: “Disposable vapes are usually more affordable, which is why many adults turn to them when they want to quit smoking. An outright ban will simply send many vapers towards unorthodox and illicit sources where there is no compliance to tobacco and vaping laws and a danger to health as the products being peddled are likely to contain dangerous and illegal levels of toxic chemicals.”

The Fed would, however, work with the government and the vape suppliers to ensure that members were prepared for next summer’s ban and had sold existing stock ahead of June 1.

Confirming the date of the ban, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said single use vapes were "extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities". She added: "That is why we are banning single use vapes as we end this nation's throwaway culture.”