Starting June 1st 2025, England and Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will ban the sale of disposable vapes with this initiative strongly supported by Labour government to protect the environment and reduce youth vaping rates. As well as this change to legislation – recently passed Tobacco and Vapes Bill also gradually increases minimum age purchase annual so as to create “smokefree generation.”

This movement enjoys rare bipartisan support from both Labour and Conservative parties; both see its implementation as essential. Conservative government originally proposed this ban through restrictions placed upon flavors of e-liquid flavors and packaging displays; as part of their legislative platform during power, Conservatives also implemented a vape tax which is due to start on 1 September 2026; Labour now intends on maintaining and potentially expanding this measure.

Critics warn against plans intended to reduce environmental damage–only 17% of 30 million disposable vapes purchased monthly in the UK are recycled–while also seeking to limit unintended consequences. A Cancer Research UK-backed study suggests the ban could harm 2.6 million adult users who rely on disposables. Furthermore, experts note adolescents could switch to other sources for nicotine should disposables become inaccessible, potentially fuelling black market activity.

Minister Mary Creagh highlighted its environmental focus, framing this ban as a necessary first step toward creating a circular economy with reduced waste production and job expansion in recycling sectors. Yet many argue it will fail to dampen youth interest in vaping while likely increasing underground demand.

Sources：Government crackdown on single-use vapes