LONDON, May 31 – A nationwide ban on disposable vapes comes into force across the UK on Sunday, aimed at protecting children’s health and curbing environmental damage from throwaway e-cigarettes.
“For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine,” said junior environment minister Mary Creagh, calling time on what she described as “nasty devices.”
The new law prohibits the sale or supply of disposable vapes, particularly targeting UK corner shops and supermarkets. Offenders face an on-the-spot £200 fine, with repeat violators risking up to two years in jail.
Cheap, colourful, and flavoured products — with tastes like mango, mint, and chocolate — have exploded in popularity among under-18s since their introduction in 2021. In 2024 alone, the UK discarded nearly five million disposable vapes weekly, according to Material Focus, a UK-based nonprofit.
That waste included over 40 tonnes of lithium annually, enough to power 5,000 electric vehicles. Fire services have also raised alarms over the fire risks posed by improperly discarded vapes.
“Every vape has the potential to start a fire if not properly disposed of,” warned Justin Greenaway, commercial manager at e-waste processor SWEEEP Kuusakoski.
The law, originally proposed by the Conservative government, also seeks to stem a rise in vaping among youth. An ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) survey found 18% of 11–17-year-olds in the UK now vape — nearly a million underage users.
“This new law is a step towards reducing vaping among children,” said Caroline Cerny, deputy chief executive of ASH, while still supporting adults who use vaping to quit smoking.
Disposable vape use among 18–24-year-olds has already dropped from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025, ASH reported.
However, concerns remain. Critics fear users may switch to refillable devices, weakening the law’s overall health impact. Others, like Vape Club director Dan Marchant, warn of a surge in black market products, noting the law bans sales but not usage.
“This could flood the UK with illegal and potentially dangerous items,” Marchant said.
Similar bans have already been enacted in Belgium and France, with Ireland planning restrictions soon.
