A nationwide ban on single-use e-cigarettes will take effect this weekend, with shops facing fines for selling disposables after the ban is in place. The Local Government Association has warned consumers not to stockpile vapes as lithium batteries pose a significant fire risk if not stored correctly.
Businesses must clear remaining stocks of disposable vapes and ensure leftover products are disposed of safely by Sunday. The ban aims to reduce youth vaping and tackle environmental damage caused by millions of devices being thrown away each week.
Research shows 82% of disposable vape users plan to stockpile, but the industry may find ways to sidestep the ban. Experts warn that cheaper vape imports from the US could push down prices further, making enforcement more difficult.
Only rechargeable, refillable, and fitted with replaceable coils will be allowed under new regulations. Campaigners say vapes sold in sweet flavours and brightly coloured packaging appeal to underage users. The UK government must also ensure stricter policing at borders and ports to prevent illegal imports.
The ban is expected to significantly reduce waste, with 5 million disposable vapes incorrectly discarded weekly in the UK. Material Focus says this poses a huge environmental pollution problem, including toxic chemicals leaching into waterways and harming animals.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/31/vapers-warned-not-to-stockpile-fire-risk-disposables-before-uk-ban