Councils across England and Wales are urging the UK government to implement a ban on single-use vapes by 2024, citing environmental and health concerns. The Local Government Association (LGA) emphasizes the urgency of this ban, particularly with the European Union proposing a similar ban in 2026 and France implementing one in December 2023. This creates a risk of discarded vapes flooding the UK market as other regions close their doors to these products.

According to the LGA, a staggering 1.3 million disposable vapes are discarded weekly, posing significant challenges for waste management. These discarded vapes not only contribute to litter but also create fire hazards in garbage trucks. The integrated design of these devices makes it nearly impossible to separate the battery from the plastic casing, hindering recycling efforts unless specialized treatment is employed.

Beyond the environmental impact, the LGA also expresses concern about the influence of vaping on children and young people. David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, argues that the inherent design flaws and unsustainable nature of disposable vapes necessitate a complete ban rather than focusing on increased recycling efforts.

However, the UK Vaping Industry Association offers a counterpoint, defending disposable vapes as an affordable and accessible tool for smokers attempting to quit. John Dunne, the association's director general, highlighted the industry's efforts to minimize its environmental footprint and cautioned that a ban could lead to a surge in black market vape products entering the UK.