Local councils in England and Wales are calling for disposable vapes to be banned in the UK due to a “growing epidemic” among under 18’s and environmental and health concerns.
The move follows 23 councils in Scotland signing up to a campaign calling for a ban on disposable vapes.
England and Wales’ Local Government Association (LGA) has said it is “crucial” a ban comes into force “rapidly” to stop a flood of single-use vapes into the UK market.
The LGA has described disposable vapes as “a hazard” for waste collectors and said they are “almost impossible to recycle without going through special treatment”.
In addition, the LGA raised concerns about flavoured vapes and the impact they have on children and young people, particularly how they are marketed.
David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Councils are not anti-vapes, which are shown to be less harmful than smoking and have a place as a tool to use in smoking cessation.
“However, disposable vapes are fundamentally flawed in their design and inherently unsustainable products, meaning an outright ban will prove more effective than attempts to recycle more vapes.
“Single-use vapes blight our streets as litter, are a hazard in our bin lorries, are expensive and difficult to deal with in our recycling centres. Their colours, flavours and advertising are appealing to children and the penalties for retailers selling them don’t go far enough.
“Councils urge the government to take this action to protect our planet, keep children safe and save taxpayers’ money.”
In response, NFRN National President Muntazir Dipoti said: “A ban on single-use vapes may, at first, seem like a straightforward, effective way of addressing underage vaping and litter. However, like the anti-smoking organisation ASH, we believe a ban would risk ‘turbocharging’ an already booming illicit market.”
He added: “Vapes help many give up smoking and are part of life now. If we ban them the black market will become even more active. History suggests it would be optimistic in the extreme to think that prohibition stops people getting hold of products.”
