Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

COUNCILS are warning vapers of the potentially life threatening dangers of stockpiling disposable vapes as the ban comes into force tomorrow.

It comes amid concerns some people are stocking up on single use vapes before they are banned for sale.

According to new research by online nicotine retailer, Haypp, 82% of disposable vape users are planning to stockpile ahead of the ban.

People wishing to get rid of their disposable vapes can return the products to the place of purchase. Shops selling vapes are required to offer a:- "take back" service where they accept vapes and vape parts that customers return for recycling, including single-use vapes returned after the ban has come into force.

High street shops and convenience stores are also reminded they risk being fined if they do not comply with the ban.

The LGA, which represents Councils and fire and rescue authorities, warns the lithium batteries contained inside disposable vapes, could cause a fire and risk to life if not stored correctly.

From Sunday, 1 June 2025, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply, or have in their possession for sale all single-use or disposable vapes.

The LGA led calls for a ban two years ago due to environmental and health concerns. Legislation for a ban was laid in Parliament last year, with a government consultation showing overwhelming support for restricting their sale and supply.

Disposable vapes are a hazard for waste and litter collection and cause fires in bin lorries.

Single use vapes are designed as one unit so batteries cannot be separated from the plastic, making them almost impossible to recycle without going through special treatment

The lithium batteries inside the plastic can sharply increase in temperature if crushed and can become flammable.

This comes at a cost to the Council taxpayer through fire damage to equipment and the specialist treatment needed to deal with hazardous waste.

Councils are also concerned about the appeal of disposable vapes to children and young people, and the risk of nicotine addiction.

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "With 8.2 million vapes now thrown away, or recycled incorrectly, every week, single use vapes blight our streets as litter, are a hazard in our bin lorries, and are expensive and difficult to deal with in our recycling centres. Their colours, flavours, and advertising are appealing to children and are a risk to the health of young people. We want to remind businesses to ensure all remaining stocks of disposable vapes are sold, and only buying vapes that follow the new regulations. If businesses have any single use vapes in their possession after Sunday, they will not be able to sell them to shoppers and must ensure they are stored and disposed of safely. We would also urge caution to anyone stockpiling disposable vapes. Failing to store disposable vapes correctly could cost lives, given the significant fire risk they pose."