Picture yourself next summer: You’re at a festival, the sun is shining, you’re dressed as a day-glo cowboy drinking a black cherry White Claw as you dance to Fred again… and try to gather all your friends before trotting off to watch Olivia Rodrigo. Life’s almost perfect, but something is missing…
Disposable vapes will be banned from sale in Scotland as of April next year. The previous government first announced the ban in January but, following this year’s general election, it has now been followed up by Labour. The ban is intended to protect children’s health – with 9% of 11 to 15-year-olds now using vapes – as well as prevent environmental damage.
Anyone who’s been on a night out in London can attest to fluorescent, plastic, Elf Bars littering our streets. Last year, almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or binned every week in the UK. That’s eight vapes thrown away per second. And even when they are recycled, they are difficult and slow to be disassembled – thanks to lithium-ion batteries being a fire risk.
Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater said:
“The public consultation [Creating a Smoke-free Generation and Tackling Youth Vaping] demonstrated that there is strong support for tougher action on vaping.
“From causing fires in waste facilities to more than 26 million disposable vapes being consumed and thrown away in Scotland in the past year, single-use vapes are a threat to our environment as well as to our public health.
“These proposed changes to the law demonstrate our absolute commitment to further improve the wellbeing of communities and protecting our beautiful natural environment.”
The long-term health impacts of vaping are still unknown, but the nicotine contained within them is highly addictive – and withdrawal causes anxiety and headaches (I can confirm this personally). The ban on disposable vapes also has the public’s support, with 69% of consultation respondents supporting the ban in February 2024.
The government also looks to introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Very similar to plans under previous parliament, it will target the promotion of e-cigarettes and include the gradual introduction of a ban on the sale of tobacco products. It’s also reported that the government is considering an outdoor smoking ban in pub gardens, sports grounds and other spaces.
A ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland will come into force on April 1, 2025, while England will enforce the ban from June 1, 2025.