Scotland To Ban Single-Use Vapes In 2025

New Legislation Proposed To Ban Disposable Vapes In 2025.

In a significant move to address the rising concerns over youth vaping and environmental impact, Scotland has unveiled proposed legislation to ban the sale and supply of single-use vapes starting April 1, 2025. The decision comes as a result of recommendations gathered from a widespread consultation titled ‘Creating a Smoke-free Generation and Tackling Youth Vaping’, which engaged participants across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland last year.

Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, highlighted the importance of this legislative step, stating, “Legislating to ban the sale and supply of single-use vapes fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to reduce vaping among non-smokers and young people and take action to tackle their environmental impact.”

Public Support for Tougher Action

The consultation process revealed strong support for stricter measures on vaping, driven by concerns ranging from environmental hazards to public health risks. Slater emphasized the environmental threat posed by single-use vapes, citing instances of fires in waste facilities and the alarming statistic that over 26 million disposable vapes were consumed and discarded in Scotland within a year.

“These proposed changes to the law demonstrate our absolute commitment to further improve the wellbeing of communities and protecting our beautiful natural environment,” Slater affirmed.

Background and Consultation Details

The draft legislation, currently open for consultation until March 8, 2024, draws upon powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This legislative approach has been successfully utilized in the past to ban items such as microbeads, cotton buds, and single-use plastics. Regulations stemming from this legislation will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament before the summer.

Scotland’s ban on single-use vapes aligns with efforts across the UK, with collaborative work between the Scottish Government, the UK Government, and other nations to address the issue comprehensively. This includes navigating potential challenges such as exclusions from the UK Internal Market Act through the Resources and Waste Common Framework.

Environmental Impact and Urgent Action

Zero Waste Scotland’s estimates underscore the urgent need for action, revealing that a significant portion of disposable vapes—up to 26 million—were improperly discarded in Scotland last year. Not only does this pose environmental hazards, but it also imposes substantial costs on local authorities for cleanup and waste management. Slater emphasized the risk of fires at waste centers and on collection vehicles due to improperly disposed vapes, highlighting the potential danger to both public safety and taxpayer-funded equipment.

Looking Ahead: Legislation and Collaboration

In addition to the ban on single-use vapes, legislative measures to raise the tobacco age of sale will be pursued, initially through UK-wide legislation requiring a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM).

In conclusion, Scotland’s proposed ban on single-use vapes represents a significant stride towards safeguarding public health and the environment. By implementing proactive measures and fostering collaboration, policymakers aim to create a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

You can share you views on the draft legislation by visiting the following link:

Draft Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024