Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – Scotland is considering the prohibition of single-use vapes in a bid to safeguard public health and the environment. The government’s Program for Government has affirmed its commitment to curbing vaping among non-smokers and youth, while also addressing the ecological impact of disposable vape products. This initiative includes the initiation of consultations on a proposal to ban the sale of single-use vapes, along with other pertinent measures.
Research indicates that nearly one in five adolescents (18%) have experimented with vaping. Zero Waste Scotland has estimated that approximately 26 million disposable vapes were used and discarded in Scotland over the past year, with 10% ending up as litter and more than half being improperly disposed of.
The widespread littering of vapes imposes a substantial and increasing financial burden on local authorities, owing to the costs associated with cleaning up litter and managing waste.
Responding to a request from Scottish Ministers, the Circular Economy Minister and Public Health Minister will engage with their counterparts in the UK Government, Welsh Government, and Northern Ireland Executive to review recent research findings and explore potential policy responses.
Furthermore, the forthcoming Tobacco Action Plan for this year will outline measures aimed at preventing children, young people, and non-smokers from using these devices. This plan will serve as a roadmap guiding efforts in this regard until 2034.
Upon releasing his inaugural Programme for Government, First Minister Humza Yousaf voiced his concerns indicating that Single-use vapes pose a dual threat to public health and the environment.
“Last year we consulted on restrictions on the advertising and promotion of vaping products. Any action we seek to take will build on the regulations already in place to restrict the marketing, promotion and sale of vaping products to under 18s and the findings will be used to inform the refreshed Tobacco Action Plan.” The ban of single use vapes has been consi
