The ban, which took effect on 1 June 2025, was introduced to tackle the growing environmental impact of disposable vapes and reduce youth vaping.
Twelve months later, data from Material Focus indicates that while progress has been made, millions of vape devices are still entering the waste stream every week.
According to research published by Material Focus, around 6.3 million vapes and vape pods are still being discarded every week across the UK.
However, the organisation said this represents a 23% reduction compared with the previous year, while purchases of disposable-style products have fallen by 31%.
Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus, said: “Vapes are among the most environmentally wasteful, damaging and dangerous consumer products ever sold.
“The ban on disposables was a major step, but banning one type of vape is not, on its own, a behaviour-change strategy.”
The findings suggest the ban has had a measurable impact on reducing the volume of disposable devices entering the waste stream, but that significant quantities of vaping products continue to be discarded incorrectly.
Separate research from Biffa suggests many consumers remain aware of the fire risks associated with vapes but continue to dispose of them in general waste rather than using retailer takeback schemes.
According to Biffa, many consumers continue to dispose of rechargeable vapes in general waste because it is more convenient than returning, refilling or maintaining the devices.
Growing concern about waste fires
Despite the reduction in disposable vape waste, industry figures say the transition towards rechargeable products has created fresh challenges.
Research published earlier this year found that many consumers continue to treat low-cost rechargeable devices as disposable products, often discarding them while batteries still retain a significant charge.
Material Focus has previously reported that battery-related fires in waste and recycling operations have increased sharply in recent years, with more than 1,200 fires recorded across UK refuse vehicles and waste facilities during 2023/24.
Waste management companies including Biffa and Suez have warned that vape batteries continue to be a major contributor to fires within the sector.
Some operators argue that reusable devices may present an even greater fire risk when discarded because their batteries are more likely to retain higher charge levels.
Incentive scheme for vape takeback
The findings have prompted renewed calls for measures to encourage consumers to return used devices.
Biffa, supported by the Environmental Services Association (ESA), has called on government to introduce a mandatory incentive scheme for vapes.
Carla Brian, Biffa’s Director of Public Affairs and Partnerships, commented: “Introducing a simple incentive could make a real difference, giving people a tangible reason to return their used vapes and helping ensure more devices are recycled safely.
“While rechargeable vapes are a step forward from single-use products, the environmental and safety challenges don’t disappear if they’re not disposed of correctly.”
Under the proposal, consumers would pay a small deposit when purchasing a vape and receive the money back when returning the device through retailer takeback schemes.
Biffa’s survey found that 85% of respondents said they would be more likely to return used vapes if a financial incentive were available, with consumers indicating they would be willing to pay a deposit of around £4.
Patrick Brighty, Head of Recycling Policy at the ESA, added: “The takeback infrastructure needed to properly recycle vapes already exists but, without appropriate incentives for the consumer to use them, these solutions are currently underperforming.
“We believe a small refundable deposit on vape devices at the point of purchase is a simple, fair, efficient and cost-neutral solution that will see millions more vapes recycled properly across the UK.”
What is the single-use vape ban?
The UK-wide ban on single-use vapes came into force on 1 June 2025 under environmental legislation designed to reduce waste and littering.
The regulations make it illegal for businesses to sell or supply vapes that are either non-rechargeable or non-refillable. To remain on the market, devices must be both rechargeable and refillable.
The ban applies to all retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and importers across the UK, including online sales. Businesses were required to dispose of any remaining disposable vape stock through appropriate recycling routes rather than continue selling products after the deadline.
Alongside the sales ban, retailers and distributors remain subject to obligations under waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations, including providing routes for consumers to recycle used products.
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