Sefton Council is reminding businesses that from Sunday 1^st June 2025, it will be illegal to sell, supply or possess single-use vapes in the UK.

This nationwide ban aims to reduce environmental pollution and protect public health, particularly among young people.

Environmental Impact

Single-use vapes contribute significantly to litter and waste. An estimated five million single-use vapes are discarded each week in the UK.

The devices contain lithium-ion batteries, which pose fire risks in waste management facilities.

If thrown into general waste, they can become a serious fire hazard. This was seen recently when a loose battery caused a fire in one of the Council’s refuse collection vehicles.

Thanks to the quick actions of the driver and emergency services, no one was harmed, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of not disposing of them correctly.

Additionally, their plastic components can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful substances into the environment.

Public Health Concerns

The rise in single-use vapes, especially among young people, has raised significant health concerns.

Directors of Public and Population Health from across Cheshire and Merseyside say young people will now be more protected from the harmful effects of vaping, as the new law comes into action, read more at champspublichealth.com.

Previously, they have condemned the targeting of children by tobacco companies through colourful packaging and enticing flavours. They called for a nationwide ban on single-use vapes and stricter regulations on their marketing and sale.

Retailers and residents take responsibility

Cllr Peter Harvey, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Street Scene said:
“I fully support the upcoming ban on single-use vapes. These products damage our environment, and it's vital that both retailers and residents take responsibility to tackle the damage they cause.

“Single-use vapes are not just unsightly litter, they are a serious environmental hazard. Far too many are carelessly discarded across our streets, parks, and beaches, harming wildlife and adding to the growing problem of microplastics.

Play your part

“Retailers must now play their part by ceasing all sales of these products by the 1^st June 2025 and ensuring any remaining stock is responsibly collected by a licensed recycling service.

“Residents can also make a difference by disposing of used vapes at designated recycling points and reporting illegal sales to Trading Standards. By working together, we can protect our natural spaces and create a cleaner, safer Sefton for everyone."

Find out what businesses must do at GOV.UK

Read the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs blog on why they are being banned at www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban.