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Ahead of the ban coming into effect tomorrow, warnings have been issued about the potential dangers of stockpiling disposable vapes which could be life-threatening. This follows concerns
that individuals may be accumulating single-use vapes before their sale is prohibited. New research from online nicotine retailer Haypp has found that a staggering 82 per cent of disposable
vape users are planning to hoard these products before the ban. Individuals looking to dispose of their disposable vapes can return them to the original seller. Retailers are obliged to
provide a "take back" service for recycling returned vapes and vape parts, including those single-use items brought back post-ban. High street shops and local convenience stores
are also being reminded that they face penalties if they flout the new rules. The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils as well as fire and rescue authorities, has
cautioned that incorrectly stored lithium batteries within disposable vapes pose a significant risk of fire and endangerment to life. Beginning on Sunday 1 June, it will become unlawful for
businesses to sell or supply, or hold in stock for sale any and all single-use or disposable vapes. Two years ago, the LGA spearheaded a campaign for this prohibition due to concerns over
health and the environment. Following the laying down of legislation in Parliament last year and a government consultation that revealed substantial support for the restriction, the sale and
distribution of these items will now be curtailed. Disposable vapes represent a serious risk to waste and refuse collection processes and have been known to cause fires in rubbish trucks.
Single-use vapes, designed as one unit with inseparable batteries and plastic, present a significant recycling challenge without specialised treatment. The lithium batteries ensconced within
the plastic become a fire hazard if crushed, with their temperature spiking sharply and the potential for flammability increasing. This issue poses a financial burden on council taxpayers
due to the fire damage to equipment and the specialist treatment needed for hazardous waste management. Councils are expressing additional concerns over the allure of disposable vapes to
youngsters, including the risk of nicotine addiction. Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, has voiced his apprehensions, stating: "With 8.2
million vapes now thrown away, or recycled incorrectly, every week, single use vapes blight our streets as litter, are a hazard in our bin lorries, and are expensive and difficult to deal
with in our recycling centres. Their colours, flavours and advertising are appealing to children and are a risk to the health of young people." He continued to advise businesses,
saying, "We want to remind businesses to ensure all remaining stocks of disposable vapes are sold, and only buying vapes that follow the new regulations." Fothergill further
warned, "If businesses have any single-use vapes in their possession after Sunday, they will not be able to sell them to shoppers and must ensure they are stored and disposed of
safely." Finally, he urged caution among the public: "We would also urge caution to anyone stockpiling disposable vapes. Failing to store disposable vapes correctly could cost
lives, given the significant fire risk they pose."