Wales Announces 2025 Ban on Disposable Vapes to Combat E-Waste and Protect Public Health
Wales has announced that, starting in June 2025, the sale of disposable vapes will be banned to address pressing environmental and public health issues. This move aligns with a similar policy in England and marks a significant step in reducing the environmental toll of single-use vapes, which have become increasingly popular among youth due to their colourful packaging and convenience.
The decision follows a series of growing concerns: an estimated 5 million disposable vapes are discarded every week in the UK, leading to a surge in e-waste and hazardous pollution from lithium batteries. In 2022 alone, 40 tonnes of lithium from discarded vapes entered the waste stream, enough to power 5,000 electric vehicles. Improper disposal has also resulted in hundreds of fires at waste-processing facilities and within bin lorries, putting workers at risk and disrupting waste management processes.
In a statement, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs said:
I am pleased to confirm that I will be introducing The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Wales) Regulations 2024 to prohibit the supply (including for free) of single-use vapes in Wales.
Introducing these Regulations will be another crucial step in tackling litter and plastic pollution which blight our environment. It will reduce the amount of waste we generate, protecting our communities, wildlife and ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
This ban is anticipated to benefit the waste industry by reducing fire risks and allowing facilities to focus on sustainable waste management. It reflects the broader environmental goals of Wales, which has positioned itself as a leader in waste reduction. The ban also supports a shift toward safer and more environmentally responsible products, aligning with Wales’ commitment to reducing e-waste and promoting a healthier environment.