Zero Waste Scotland has published the Scottish government’s review on the environmental impact of disposable vapes.
In January 2023, the Scottish government commissioned Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) to carry out a review of the environmental impact of disposable vapes and improving the management of single-use e-cigarettes, reducing pollution and enhancing the safe recycling of the products they contain.
The review, published on 30 June, estimates that, in 2022, 10.8% of the adult population in Scotland were regular users of e-cigarettes and that, of these, 27% were estimated to be users of single-use e-cigarettes.
In the 52 weeks to early April 2023, the number of disposable vapes consumed in Scotland was estimated to be between 21 and 26 million units. According to the review, the total emissions associated with single-use vapes in 2022 was estimated to be between 3375 and 4292 tonnes CO2e.
The lithium polymer batteries used in some of the most popular e-cigarettes could be recharged 500 times if the product allowed for such, ZWS found.
Finally, the review estimates that 800 to 1000 tonnes of single-use e-cigarette packaging and materials are discarded in Scotland per year.
Environmental impacts highlighted by the review include the waste impact of littering, risks associated with unsafe disposal of their contents including lithium batteries and chemicals, and greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption generated by manufacturing the products.
The review sets out nine policy options which include setting a “design criteria” for e-cigarettes, banning the sale of disposable single-use vapes, charging a redeemable deposit on the product to incentivise recycling and implementing a tax linked to recycling performance.
Other policy options the review highlights are banning the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes, tightening laws on underage sales, requiring batteries can be removed and replaced and applying a levy on sales payable by the consumer.
The final policy option was changing WEEE Regulations relating to the scope of cost recovery, costs of management of e-cigarettes, creating a separate WEEE category for e-cigarettes and setting targets.
Aberdeenshire Council to support banning disposable vapes
Aberdeenshire Council to voice its support for a possible ban of single use disposable vapes in Scotland with the Scottish government.
In a notice of motion by Councillor (Cllr) Sarah Dickinson, she highlighted concerns over the “relatively” low price of single use vapes, their appeal to young people and the environmental impacts of their improper disposal or dumping.
Speaking at the council meeting, Cllr Dickinson said: “Single use disposable vapes are an inappropriate use of precious resources. They have a rising environmental impact as litter. They present risks when not disposed of safely and they present risks to the health of young people.
Single use disposable vapes are an inappropriate use of precious resources.
“For these reasons, I hope you will support calling on the Scottish government to consider new legislation banning the sale of single use disposable vapes in Scotland.
Councillors unanimously agreed that Chief Executive Jim Savege should write to the Scottish government to express the council’s support for a possible ban.
