Welshpool ushers in disposable vapes ban

Retailers and users in the Welshpool area are being reminded that the sale and supply of single use vapes (disposable vapes) are now banned in Wales.

The ban, which came into force on Sunday, makes it a criminal offence to supply or offer to supply (including for free) single use vape products to consumers in Wales.

The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Wales) Regulations 2024 aims to prevent environmental damage caused by the production and incorrect disposal of these products.

The ban will include vapes containing nicotine, non-nicotine, CBD and other health/vitamin devices.

Businesses who still have banned products should speak to suppliers or existing disposal companies about how to recycle them safely and legally.

Welshpool’s Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services, said: “I welcome the news that single use vapes have now been banned. This marks a significant step forward in protecting public health and reducing the environmental harm these products can cause across our county.

“It’s also vital that businesses and residents understand the correct disposal methods for these items.

“Single-use vapes must never be placed in household waste due to the serious fire risk they pose. Instead, they should be taken to a designated household recycling centre to ensure they are handled safely and responsibly.”

Retailers should provide a spent vape collection service. To find your nearest retailer to dispose of a spent vape visit www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk

With the ban now in force, businesses need to: 

• Stop selling single use vape products to customers or other businesses.
• Stop buying single use vape products from wholesalers.
• Tell their staff about these changes.

For a vape to be considered re-useable, it must be:

• Rechargeable – Does it contain a battery that can be recharged multiple times? The battery must be rechargeable, rather than just replaceable.
• Refillable – Can the user refill the device with vape liquid or replace the liquid via compatible pods or containers?
• Replaceable Coil – Can the user replace the coil? The product will comply if the coil is integrated into replaceable tanks, pods, or containers, provided these are separately available.