UK to Ban Disposable Vapes in 2025 to Protect Youth and Combat Waste

The UK government announced plans to ban disposable vapes starting June 2025, aiming to protect young people’s health and address environmental concerns. Public Health and Prevention Minister Andrew Gwynne highlighted the urgency of the measure, citing that 25% of 11 to 15-year-olds used vapes last year, with these products growing increasingly popular among youth.

The ban, part of the new Labour government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, is described by Gwynne as “the biggest public health intervention in a generation.” The government has worked closely with the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to ensure uniformity in the ban’s implementation across the UK.

The increase in vaping across England, which surged by over 400% from 2012 to 2023, has raised concerns not only about nicotine addiction but also about the unknown long-term health impacts. Additionally, Junior Environment Minister Mary Creagh noted the environmental harm caused by discarded vapes, calling them “extremely wasteful.”