In a significant move, the U.K. government has unveiled plans to ban disposable vapes in England, starting in June 2025, targeting both health risks for youth and environmental concerns.
U.K. to Implement Ban on Disposable Vapes Starting June 2025
U.K. to Implement Ban on Disposable Vapes Starting June 2025
Government officials aim to enhance young people's health and mitigate environmental impact with the new legislation.
In an announcement made on Thursday, the British government confirmed the impending ban on disposable vapes, which has emerged as a popular choice among young individuals. Andrew Gwynne, the public health minister, stressed the urgency of the situation, revealing that an estimated five million single-use vapes are thrown away each week in the U.K. This initiative aligns with efforts in Scotland and Wales, which are expected to adopt similar measures.
The proposed legislation, pending approval from Parliament where the Labour Party has a strong majority, intends to tackle issues related to environmental waste. Currently, discarded single-use vapes contribute significantly to pollution due to their plastic, lead, and mercury components. Furthermore, the disposal of lithium-ion batteries poses hazards; these items often require manual disassembly before recycling, creating fire risks for waste management employees.
Mary Creagh, the environment minister, highlighted the unsustainable nature of single-use vapes and their detrimental impact on urban spaces. She remarked that this ban represents a step toward addressing the broader issue of Britain’s "throwaway culture" and the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices.
The proposed legislation, pending approval from Parliament where the Labour Party has a strong majority, intends to tackle issues related to environmental waste. Currently, discarded single-use vapes contribute significantly to pollution due to their plastic, lead, and mercury components. Furthermore, the disposal of lithium-ion batteries poses hazards; these items often require manual disassembly before recycling, creating fire risks for waste management employees.
Mary Creagh, the environment minister, highlighted the unsustainable nature of single-use vapes and their detrimental impact on urban spaces. She remarked that this ban represents a step toward addressing the broader issue of Britain’s "throwaway culture" and the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices.
