Starting tomorrow, a ban on disposable vapes will be in effect, accompanied by a stern warning regarding the “life-threatening dangers” of stockpiling these products.
As of Sunday, it will be illegal for any business to sell, supply, or possess for sale any single-use or disposable vapes.
Research conducted by online nicotine retailer Haypp revealed that 82% of the 369 surveyed customers are planning to bulk purchase disposable vapes before they are no longer available.
A sign for customers at a Tesco store in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. Pic: PA
However, it is important to note that disposable vapes contain lithium batteries and pose a fire hazard if not stored properly.
While 34% of those surveyed expressed willingness to consider purchasing illegal vapes after the ban, the overall usage of disposable products among vapers has decreased from 30% to 24%, according to data from Action on Smoking and Health.
Retailers of vapes are mandated to provide a “take back” service, allowing customers to return vapes and vape parts for recycling, including single-use products.
For more information: Everything you need to know about the ban
The Local Government Association (LGA) advocated for the ban two years ago citing environmental and health concerns, and is cautioning against stockpiling.
Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, emphasized the potential life-threatening risks associated with improper storage of disposable vapes.
Understanding how disposable vapes can catch fire – or even explode
Data obtained by the Electric Tobacconist through Freedom of Information requests revealed a rise in vape-related fires, from 89 in 2020 to 399 in 2024.
Many disposable vapes utilize inexpensive or unregulated lithium-ion batteries to cut costs, lacking essential safety features like thermal cut-offs, making them susceptible to overheating and combustion.
In cases where the battery is damaged or overheats, it can lead to thermal runaway – a phenomenon where the battery’s temperature rapidly escalates, resulting in uncontrollable overheating.
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Once these fires start, they can be challenging to extinguish, as water can exacerbate the situation if the battery is still generating heat, requiring specialized fire suppressants to control the blaze.
Batteries have the potential to reignite hours or even days later, posing a persistent danger.
Disposable vapes pose risks in waste management and can cause fires in refuse collection vehicles, despite warnings against discarding them in household waste. These products are nearly impossible to recycle due to their integrated design, preventing the separation of batteries from plastic.
An estimated 8.2 million disposable vapes were improperly disposed of or recycled each week prior to the ban.
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) emphasized the persistently high usage of disposable vapes among young individuals and asserted that the ban aims to halt their rising prevalence in school environments and the influx of litter in public spaces.
Circular economy minister Mary Creagh stated, “For too long, single-use vapes have littered our streets and enticed our children with nicotine. This ends now.
“The government is cracking down on these detrimental devices.”
‘One in five say they will return to cigarettes’
Additionally, research conducted by life insurance specialists at Confused.com found that 37% of individuals planned to cease vaping once the ban takes effect, with 19% indicating a potential return to traditional cigarettes.
The study was based on responses from 500 current vapers in the UK.
The prevalence of vaping and smoking is reportedly on the rise, with Confused.com noting a 44% increase in individuals declaring their use of cigarettes or vapes on life insurance policies since 2019.
