Single use vapes ban

From 01 June 2025 businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland must not sell, offer, or stock single-use vapes.

Definition of single-use vapes

A single-use vape is any vape that is not designed to be reused. This includes vapes that:

• cannot be refilled
• cannot be recharged 
• cannot be refilled or recharged

A vape is considered refillable only if:

• It uses a replaceable cartridge or pod that can be bought separately
• It has a refillable container that the user can fill themselves

A vape is considered non-rechargeable if:

• It has a battery that cannot be recharged
• It has a coil that cannot be replaced, including coils inside the cartridges or pods that users cannot buy separately

What you must do

From 01 June 2025, you cannot sell or supply single-use vapes.

To comply with the ban you must:

• Stop buying single-use vapes
• Sell existing stock before the deadline
• Switch to vapes that meet the new regulations

If you still have single-use vapes after this date:

• Recycle them through a registered vape recycling service (fees may apply).
• Separate and label them as unsellable
• Remove them from your shop and online store

Failing to recycle single-use vapes appropriately could lead to financial loss and legal action.

Recycling vapes

Vapes, whether reusable or single-use are electrical items and must be recycled under the WEEE Regulations.

If you sell vapes you must:

• Accept used vapes and parts (pods, coils, batteries) from customers for recycling
• Provide a take back service, even for single-use vapes after the ban starts
• Never store or throw away vapes in regular bins. Use proper vape bins and arrange regular collections

For information see our guidance for distributors of WEEE.