Overview

• The UK will ban the sale and supply of all single-use disposable vapes from June 1, 2025, as part of efforts to reduce waste and environmental damage.
• Disposable vapes are classified as hazardous Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and must be recycled properly to avoid fines of up to £600 for households.
• Authorities warn that lithium-ion batteries in vapes pose fire risks when improperly disposed of, with incidents reported in waste facilities and collection vehicles.
• Surveys reveal that 82% of users plan to stockpile disposable vapes before the ban, raising safety concerns over bulk storage and the potential for thermal runaway fires.
• Research indicates that many users may turn to illicit vape products or revert to smoking, with nearly two-thirds considering unregulated options and 30% contemplating a return to cigarettes.