Under the Government’s Plan for Change, move will stop the flood of litter on to nation’s streets and protect young people from getting hooked on nicotine
Single-use vapes will be banned from the shelves of all shops from tomorrow (Sunday 1 June) thanks to a government blitz on sale and supply.
The new crackdown makes it illegal to sell single-use vapes at corner shops and supermarkets, putting an end to their alarming rise in school playgrounds and the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation’s streets.
The government’s announcement of its intention to ban the use of disposable vapes has already had real effects – with retailers and consumers shifting away from environmentally destructive single-use options.
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New data from charity Action on Smoking and Health shows the number of vapers in Great Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, while the use of disposables by 18-24-year-old vapers fell from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. However, usage among young vapers remains too high and with the coming ban into force tomorrow it will continue to drive these figures down further.
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.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:
Caroline Cerny, Deputy Chief Executive, Action on Smoking and Health said:
The Government has worked closely with retailers to ensure they are ready for the ban coming into force. This includes producing clear guidance on the devices they cannot sell or supply, as well as how to deplete their stock before 1 June.
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Association of Convenience Stores Chief Executive James Lowman said:
Libby Peake, senior fellow and head of resources at Green Alliance, said:
Justin Greenaway, Commercial Manager at SWEEEP Kuusakoski, said:
Unrefillable and unable to be recharged, single-use vapes have been typically thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled, contributing to the flood of litter blighting the country.
Even when they are recycled, the process is notoriously arduous, slow and costly, with waste industry workers required to take them apart by hand. Their batteries also present a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment.
With the looming ban already encouraging users to seek alternatives, making the sale of single-use vapes illegal will now prevent these toxic products from littering the country’s streets.
The ban complements the Government’s world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will further tackle youth vaping and safeguard children’s health.