Single-use vapes will be banned across the UK next summer to prevent addiction among…

24 October 2024, 00:21 | Updated: October 24, 2024 at 12:23 AM

A ban on single-use vapes is being introduced as more and more young people become addicted to sweet-tasting e-cigarettes.

The move is also aimed at reducing the growing problem of plastic waste, with five million vapes discarded every week last year, four times more than by 2022, according to The Sun.

The new regulations will require providers in England to withdraw all single-use vaping products by June 1, 2025.

The government expects Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow the same timeline.

However, refillable vaporizers will still be available as doctors use them to help people quit smoking.

The decision comes amid growing concern that children are illegally buying single-use vapes, many of which are sold in bright packaging with flavors such as bubblegum, grape and strawberry.

Ministers also seek to prevent environmental damage caused by improper and lazy disposal of these devices.

“Disposable products are the product of choice for most kids vaping today. Banning them will help protect vulnerable young people.”

Environment Minister Mary Creagh added: “Single-use vapers waste valuable resources and pollute our towns, parks and cities.

In 2022 alone, more than 40 tonnes of lithium from vaping batteries was dumped in the UK, enough to power 5,000 electric cars.”

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for further accusations of “nanny state” interference following a number of recent measures, including a proposed outdoor smoking ban.

Health Minister Andrew Gwynne expressed concern, saying: “It is alarming that one in four 11-15 year olds used a vaporizer in the past year.”

“That’s why we’re banning single-use vapes as part of our efforts to tackle the culture of use.”

Disposable vapes cost between £3 and £10 depending on the brand, with the entire e-cigarette industry in Britain valued at around £2.8 billion.

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak first revealed his plans to ban single-use vapes in January, responding to evidence showing the number of children using them had tripled in just three years.

Global vaping use across all age groups has increased by more than 400% since 2012.

Although Labor initially supported Mr. Sunak, the party did not include a ban on single-use vaporizers in its election manifesto.