An urgent review has been commissioned by the Scottish government into the environmental impact of disposable vapes – which could lead to an outright ban.
The move comes amid emerging concerns around the negative consequences of the single-use devices.
Zero Waste Scotland will undertake the review into the smoking alternatives, considering international responses.
Circular economy minister Lorna Slater said: “Not only are single-use vapes bad for public health, they are also bad for the environment.
“From litter on our streets, to the risk of fires in waste facilities, there are issues which need to be addressed urgently.
“We will consider the evidence and expert advice and come forward with policy options, which could include a potential ban on single-use vapes.”
She added: “In the meantime, we would urge everyone who uses these products to make sure they are disposed of properly.”
The Scottish government said other approaches could include increasing access to responsible disposal options, improved product design or public communications campaigns.
‘Robust and objective review’
Dundee-based climate activist Laura Young, who has been dubbed the “vape crusader” due to her ongoing campaign against the devices, told Sky News she was “thrilled” with the Scottish government’s response.
She added: “I have full trust in a robust and objective review from Zero Waste Scotland into the environmental impacts, and look forward to hearing the full picture here in Scotland with regards to these products.
“This review, and consideration of a ban, cannot come quick enough, as the rise of these devices puts our environment, waste workers, recycling infrastructure, and public health particularly with a lens of young people, under tremendous pressure.”
Ms Young noted that with “all things political”, any final decision would take time.
She added: “Therefore it is vital that in the interim we continue to hold vaping companies to the extended producer responsibility regulations, and improve public awareness of how to dispose of these correctly through recycling.”
‘Tackling our throwaway culture is a priority’
Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said “any form of littering is unacceptable”.
He added: “Single-use items, like disposable vapes, are becoming an all-too-common eyesore in areas where we live, work and socialise, and can last in our environment for years and years.
“Tackling our throwaway culture is a priority here at Zero Waste Scotland and we are happy to lead on this important review.”
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The move comes after Health Secretary Humza Yousaf was challenged by Green MSP Gillian Mackay over the products at Holyrood this week.
Mr Yousaf said he would speak to “stakeholders” on the issue, adding that ministers would consider a “potential ban”.
But the vaping industry has hit out at the plans, with Neil McLaren, the co-CEO of Vaping.com/UK, saying: “This virtue signalling move from Holyrood reeks of hypocrisy since they’re happy to keep cigarettes on the market.
“Those additional tax revenues must be important.”
Tobacco duty is not set or paid by the Scottish government, as a reserved tax it is handled by the UK government.
Mr McLaren added: “Yousaf should work on reducing the smoking rate in Scotland – which has the highest smoking rates in Britain – instead of carping on about vapes.
“If they encourage smokers to switch instead of banning vapes, they can make a real difference to public health and the planet.”
