Campaigner Backs Ban on Single-use Vapes

A local campaigner is backing a ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes that comes into effect in Dundee and across the whole of the UK from Sunday (June 1). 

Businesses in the city have been encouraged to prepare and make the necessary changes to ensure they are compliant with the law. 

This includes reviewing stock and responsibly disposing of illegal vapes, stopping the purchasing of new single-use vapes and only buying other vaping devices that comply, and training staff about the new requirements and compliance expectations. 

Enforcement of the ban will be carried out by the council’s Trading Standards team and businesses found in violation may face seizure of non-compliant products and criminal prosecution, with fines of up to £5000.

The popularity of these disposable devices has risen dramatically over recent years and the ban hopes to address the environmental and public health challenges posed by them. 

According to the new regulations set out in the Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 single-use vapes are defined as not refillable and not rechargeable, and applies to vapes sold both online and in-store. 

Single-use vapes are often littered or thrown in general or household waste bins instead of being recycled. Even when devices are sent to be recycled, they are difficult to process and typically end up in landfill. 

Their batteries can leak harmful waste like battery acid, lithium, and mercury into the environment and can cause fires in bin lorries and waste-processing centres.

Vapes can have a huge impact on wildlife. Animals such as birds, fish, and other mammals can mistake vapes for food and ingest poisonous chemicals.

The ban also looks to address public health concerns after an alarming rise in the amount of children and young people vaping has called for tougher action to be taken. 

Environmental campaigner Laura Young, also known as LessWasteLaura, is backing a campaign by Dundee City Council to promote the ban, enforcement and inform the public on why it is being introduced. 

Laura is an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist and ethical influencer who supports the measures being brought in. 

Laura said: “This ban marks a turning point in how we deal with wasteful, harmful products that should never have been allowed to flood our streets. Single-use vapes are a danger to our environment, our health, and our young people, and this legislation is a long overdue response. 

“It's great that Dundee City Council was first in raising awareness about this issue, and is supporting a ban. I urge everyone, businesses and individuals, to play their part: follow the rules, make the switch to sustainable alternatives, and help build a cleaner, healthier future for all." 
Working in partnership with the council, Laura has helped to produce an informative video and social media campaign to explain the regulations and the benefits the ban potentially has. 

Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Convener Cllr Heather Anderson said: “This ban is really important as it looks to reduce environmental damage while protecting all of us from potential health issues. 

“I was pleased to meet Laura recently and I commend her for her hard work in campaigning to bring in these new regulations. I’m sure they will have a positive impact in protecting our wonderful natural environment and improving the wellbeing of our communities. 

“Our Trading Standards officers will play an important role in preventing these now illegal devices from being sold, alongside all the other work they do protecting our city’s communities from harm. I would encourage anyone who has questions to get in touch -  our team are ready to help with advice and information.” 
 

Full guidance for businesses from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) can be found online. 
More information about the ban and contact details can be found on the council’s website.