CIEH welcomes UK Government’s move to ban disposable vapes to protect public health and the environment

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) welcomes the UK Government's confirmed ban on the sale of disposable vapes in England, set to take effect on 1st June 2025, with the Welsh Government also committing to follow suit. The legislation marks a significant step towards reducing youth vaping rates and addressing the environmental damage caused by disposable vapes, which are difficult to recycle and contribute to harmful waste in landfills.

Vaping use in the UK has risen dramatically in the past decade, with disposable vapes particularly popular among young people. Despite their short-term appeal, the government has recognised that these products are a key driver behind the alarming increase in youth vaping. The ban aims to mitigate the risks to children’s health while preventing disposables from further polluting the environment.

Disposable vapes pose serious environmental risks due to their non-recyclable nature. Many end up in landfills where they release toxic chemicals, including battery acid, lithium, and mercury, harming local ecosystems. Defra has highlighted that nearly five million disposable vapes are discarded each week in the UK, significantly contributing to waste and causing hundreds of fires in waste-processing centres.

Mark Elliott, President of CIEH, said:

“We fully support this progressive piece of legislation, which will not only reduce the appeal of vaping to children but also play a vital role in protecting our environment from the devastating impact of disposable vapes. As with the pivotal role we played in securing the smoking ban, CIEH remain steadfast in our commitment to championing smoke-free generations.

It is encouraging to see a coordinated approach across the devolved nations to ensure that enforcement and compliance are consistent and effective. Environmental Health professionals will play an important role in making sure these regulations are properly enforced and in safeguarding public health.

We are committed to ensuring that this ban aligns with a wider public health strategy aimed at reducing smoking-related diseases and supporting environmental protection. We encourage the government to continue working closely with the devolved nations to ensure a seamless introduction of the ban and minimise the risk of illegal sales.”