Businesses across North Yorkshire are being urged to clear the remaining stock of single-use vapes ahead of a nationwide ban taking effect on 1 June. Under new environmental regulations, the sale and supply of disposable vapes will be prohibited in England, Scotland, and Wales. All products sold after this date must be rechargeable and refillable.
The move aims to reduce plastic waste and limit youth access to vaping products. Trading Standards officers are encouraging retailers to sell off their existing inventory while advising consumers to shift toward reusable devices. Public health officials have reaffirmed that vaping remains a valuable tool for adult smokers seeking to quit, provided non-smokers and children are not targeted.
Waste disposal is also in focus, with lithium-ion batteries in vapes posing a fire risk if discarded improperly. Vape-specific recycling bins have been deployed across North Yorkshire’s household waste recycling centres to prevent contamination of kerbside bins and reduce landfill volume.
The shift is part of a broader public health and environmental strategy, with implications for retailers, distributors, and waste management providers operating in the region.
