Lucy Devine
Back in October last year, it was announced that disposable vapes would be banned in the UK.
From today (1 June), the sale and supply of single-use vapes will be banned across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Parliament passed legislation making it illegal to sell the products due to health concerns among younger generations, as well as the growing volume of electronic waste.
From today (1 June) it is illegal to sell, supply or possess for sale or supply any kind of single-use vape.
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A vape is deemed to be 'disposable' or 'single-use' if it has a battery that cannot be recharged or if it is not refillable.
Retailers can now only sell vapes that are rechargeable, refillable or have a coil that can be easily replaced.
Essentially, anyone who is found breaking these rules will be handed a fine of £200, meanwhile those repeatedly breaking the law could receive more fines or even jail time.
Over on the gov.uk website, they explain that the number of young people using single-use vapes is still 'too high' and the hope is that the ban will drive this down.
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Sarah Sleet, chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: "With their pocket money prices, and child-friendly marketing and flavour options making them more accessible, disposables have fuelled the worrying rise in the number of children vaping."
According to Action on Smoking and Health, the proportion of 11 to 17-year-olds in England who reported using vapes increased from 14 per cent in 2020 to approximately 20 per cent in 2023.
Meanwhile, environmental reasons are also a huge factor, with Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh adding: "For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today.
"The Government calls time on these nasty devices."
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Retailers must stop selling or supplying the vapes by 1 June. Stock must be sold or disposed of before this date.
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Retailers should also offer a 'take back' recycling service for used vapes, pods, coils and batteries.
The gov.uk website explains: "As part of tough enforcement measures, any rogue traders breaking the rules will be hit with a fine of £200 in the first instance, and all products will be seized.
"Those who show a blatant disregard for the rules and reoffend face being slapped with an unlimited fine or jail time."