Single-use vapes ban arriving for businesses and residents next month

Residents and businesses across Norfolk are being reminded that, due to a change in the law, single-use vapes cannot be sold in Norfolk shops from next month.  

Trading Standards officers have been working to remind businesses that, from Sunday 1 June, they are not allowed to sell or supply single-use vapes, as the Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) Regulations 2024 come into effect. 

The change aims to cut the number of lithium-ion batteries to reduce the risk of accidental fires involving disposable smoking materials, and tackle environmental concerns around disposable plastics and nicotine contamination. 

Following the change, enforcement action can be taken against retailers who are found to still be supplying single-use vapes, which could include seizures, fines and, in the most severe cases, prison sentences. From Sunday 1 June, all compliant vapes must be refillable, replaceable and rechargeable, and businesses selling vaping products are also required to provide a take back service for safe disposal. 

Last year, not-for-profit organisation Material Focus estimated that almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or thrown away in general waste every week in the UK, the equivalent of eight per second.  

The change of legislation comes after several high-profile incidents where discarded vapes have caused fires in bins and after concerns around the environmental implications of disposing of single-use vapes.  

Recent figures show there were over 1,200 battery fires in bin lorries and waste sites across the UK in 2023, a 70% increase on the previous year. 

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: "We are here to support Norfolk's communities and ensure that they are safe, and compliant with the law.  

"Our Trading Standards officers will be working with local shops over the coming weeks to raise awareness, ensure they are prepared for the change and don't risk breaking the law from June. Disposable vapes are popular with younger smokers due to their affordability - however, these cheaper products are also more likely to be illegal or unlicensed. 

"We know that disposable vapes have been linked to fires due to the disposal of lithium-ion batteries and hope that this change will reduce the risk of accidental fires involving smoking materials." 

All Norfolk County Council recycling centres have bespoke bins for recycling of vapes and also batteries from householders (not businesses). There are 19 recycling centres across the county where on-site staff will be able to direct householders to the correct containers.  

There is government guidance available on the single-use vapes ban for businesses, and they have also made a toolkit available with printable posters and leaflets. For further advice, businesses can call Norfolk Trading Standards on 0344 800 8020 or email trading.standards@norfolk.gov.uk.