What is the future of disposable vaping in Scotland?
Under advice from government bodies, Zero Waste Scotland are launching a review into single use devices. Based on the findings of this investigation, it could result in an outright ban on disposables. But why are these devices being targeted by environmental activists? Let’s take a look at why this Scotland disposable ban may occur.
Why Are Disposables Being Reviewed?
Why is this Scotland disposable ban being proposed? There are several reasons why disposables are seen in a negative light. The driving factors behind this review mainly include plastic waste, danger to refuse workers and the health risk to underage users.
Up to November last year, £671 Million worth of disposables were sold in the UK. And that was only the figure collected from supermarkets. It doesn’t include the sales from independent vape stores. Each single use device contains both plastic and a lithium-ion battery. And considering that an investigation revealed that a staggering 50% of these vapes are thrown away, environmentalists have a right to be worried[1]. Popular supermarket chain Waitrose have already decided to stop selling disposables over these concerns[4].
Plastics
The main reason that plastic is an environmental hazard is that it doesn’t biodegrade. This means that when the plastics break down, the microplastic and chemicals can pollute water sources and harm local wildlife[2]. But even if the plastics used to make these devices were recyclable, you can’t open the kit to separate the different components.
Batteries
Lithium is a somewhat rare element that is used in the production of batteries. Since it’s a heavy metal there is a significant risk to the environment if it isn’t properly disposed of. In all of the disposables that are produced in a year, there is roughly enough lithium to produce 1,200 batteries for electric cars. Now lithium can’t be recycled easily, but it can be disposed of responsibly. Another issue with throwing away batteries is the risk to waste workers at landfills. When a battery is disposed of incorrectly there is a chance that it can short and explode. This explosion may result in fires, which risk the safety of workers at landfills and waste management centres.
Underage Users
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) revealed in a report last year that around 11.2% of underage teens (11-17) had at least tried vaping. The main problem with this is that most disposables contain 2% (or 20mg) or nicotine, which is the maximum strength under TRPR regulations. This is the equivalent of smoking roughly 25 cigarettes a day. The main concern is how these underage users are getting their vapes in the first place. Respectable vape retailers enforce the ‘challenge 25‘ policy, which means that they ask for ID if the customer looks under 25. The problem lies with a minority of less scrupulous retailers that aren’t enforcing this policy. Trading Standards police the sales of products to underage users. In fact, a shopkeeper in Newport was recently fined over £2500 for selling vapes that breach TRPR legislation[5].
The Benefits of Disposable E-cigarettes.
This Scotland disposable ban will be a huge blow to stop smoking efforts in the country. Vaping is recognised by health related governing bodies as one of the best ways to quit smoking[3]. Also, disposables add a new level of ease to the quitting process. With no coils to change, no mod to charge and no need to fill, they really are the simplest move towards quitting cigarettes. They also offer vapers who use other kits to have a no fuss option when travelling or in areas when charging their devices might be an issue.
What Can We Do To Stop Disposables Being Banned?
The reason why disposables are under threat is down to two main issues: disposal and underage vaping.
Single use vapes need to be recycled, period. There are a few ways that retailers need to play their part in this too. These devices are electronic, meaning that they should fall under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment recycling (WEEE) scheme. Both TECC and Totally Wicked take this environmental responsibility very seriously, and are constantly looking for new and better ways to provide recycling options for vapers. You can bring any used disposable into any Totally Wicked store or the TECC shop and we’ll make sure that they’re responsibly discarded. Just keep your used devices to one side and bring them all into a store when you can.
What if Disposables Are Banned?
For now, nothing will change. The Scotland disposable ban is only a review after all. But, if this becomes legislation in Scotland then it will impact stop smoking efforts in the country.And, if there is success with the ban, then the rest of the UK may follow quit. This may mean that some vapers may revert to smoking, which in turn will heavily oppose the UK’s ‘smoke free 2030’ aspirations.
Disposable Alternatives.
If this were to come into effect though, there are alternatives for vapers that would simulate a disposable in a cost effective and less environmentally impactful way.
Disposable Pod Systems
Disposable pod kits are just that, the only thing that you bin is the pod. These are inserted into a battery which is recharged when it runs low. There are plenty of great pod devices available such as the VLTZ flex Pro and the Elf Bar ELFA Pro.
Bar Salts & Nic Salts
Bar salts have the same intensity of flavour and often strength as disposables. The main advantage is that you get 10ml for a really low price. Also, single use devices only contain 2ml, so you’re getting five times the amount for a similar price. Some great bar salt ranges include VLTZ e-liquid, ELFLIQ by Elf Bar and Riot Bar EDTN.
Nic salts will provide the same smoothness of a disposable, but with more muted flavours. Popular ranges of nic salt include Riot S:ALT, Ohm Brew and Nasty Salt.
Open Tank Devices
If you’re using bar or nic salts then you’re going to need a device to vape it in. Open tank means that you fill it with liquid, and there are some great and easy to use choices including the TECC Sono and TECC Sono Mini. All of these kits have disposable pods, so they’re very easy to use.
If you don’t mind changing coils it opens the floor up to a much wider range of devices. Kits like the Joyetech EVIO C2 and TECC arc Impact are fantastic choices as a step up from disposables.
Sources
[1] Material Focus. (2022). One million single use vapes thrown away every week contributing to the growing e-waste challenge in the UK.
[2] Truth Initiative. (2021). A toxic, plastic problem: E-cigarette waste and the environment.
[3] NHS. Better Health. Vaping to quit smoking.
[4] Nazir, S. Vape Business. (2023). Waitrose ditches sale of single-use vaping products.
[5] Vape Business. (2023). Shopkeeper fined £2500 for selling illegal vapes.
