From 1 June 2025, it will be illegal for businesses to sell, supply, offer to sale or supply, or possess all single use disposable vapes for sale. After this date, only reusable vapes may be sold.
Local retailers should avoid restocking single use vapes before the June deadline and should arrange for any remaining stock to be collected by an appropriate recycling service.
Despite their popularity, single use vapes pose serious environmental risks. Many are irresponsibly discarded of, leading to littering. When thrown in general waste, they often end up in landfill or are incinerated, wasting valuable resources. In addition, discarded vapes can cause fires, putting the safety of waste management workers, firefighters and the public at risk.
Retailers caught selling single use vapes after the ban face having their stock seized by Southwark Trading Standards. The penalties for breaching the rules are either a £200 fixed penalty or, in prosecution cases, the courts can issue unlimited fines.
Reusable vapes that contain nicotine must comply with strict safety regulations on labelling, traceability and tank sizes. Retailers should only buy from reputable, traceable sources. In 2024, Southwark Trading Standards seized 6,000 illegal vapes from local shops due to non-compliance with regulations.
Councillor Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Neighbourhoods: “Now is the time to align your business with the new rules on disposable vapes. We’ve seen first-hand how harmful vapes can be – especially for young people and the environment. Millions are dumped on our streets or rubbish bins each week, which eventually end up in landfill instead of being properly recycled. Vape batteries also pose fire risks in bin lorries and waste facilities, putting waste handlers, firefighters and the public in danger. I strongly urge Southwark retailers to review the guidance and act now.”
Southwark Trading Standards will enforce the ban across the borough. If you suspect someone is supplying illegal vapes or need guidance on compliance, please contact trading standards via the council’s website.
For guidance about the forthcoming ban, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban