UK bans single-use vapes to stem use by youth, reduce harmful litter

Crackdown follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a rising tide of rubbish as users dispose of the vapes

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A pedestrian walks past a vape shop in London on before the ban. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 3:53am, 2 Jun 2025Updated: 11:20am, 2 Jun 2025

A ban on disposable vapes came into force across the UK on Sunday as the British government aims to stem their use by children, reduce litter and prevent the leaking of harmful chemicals into the environment.

The ban makes it illegal for any retailer – online or in-store – to sell vapes, whether they contain nicotine or not. They will still be able to sell reusable vapes.

The crackdown follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a rising tide of rubbish as users dispose of the vapes.

It is estimated that as many as 5 million disposable vapes are thrown in bins or littered every week across the UK, rather than being recycled.

Disposable vapes for sale at a shop in London before the ban. Photo: EPA-EFE

A number of countries are seeking to regulate the vape market, which has grown exponentially over the past decade or so.

Australia outlawed the sale of vapes outside pharmacies last year in some of the world’s toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes, while Belgium became the first European country to ban the use of disposable vapes at the start of this year.

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