UK Disposable E-cigarette Sales Cause Environmental Concerns

Mar.08.2023
UK Disposable E-cigarette Sales Cause Environmental Concerns
UK disposable e-cigarette sales soar to 138 million per year, posing four environmental threats, says Material Focus report.

According to the Dailyrecord, a British environmental organization called Material Focus has reported that the sales of disposable electronic cigarettes in the country have surged to an astonishing 138 million per year. The organization has stated that these disposable electronic cigarette devices have become a "quadruple environmental threat": they waste vital resources such as lithium and copper, contribute to plastic pollution, and pose risks of both fires and hazardous waste.


They analyzed and investigated the company records of more than 150 electronic cigarette and e-liquid producers, and determined that only 16 companies have signed producer responsibility environmental regulations, including those for waste electrical and electronic equipment, portable batteries, and packaging.


All of the companies surveyed are members of electronic cigarette trade associations, such as the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), and are also registered with British health regulatory bodies.


The spokesperson for Scotland's local political party the Green Party, Gillian Mackay, has stated that these findings are "shocking" and show that the e-cigarette industry needs to "improve its behavior". Just last month, she obtained an "urgent review" by the Scottish government of disposable e-cigarettes, including the potential for a ban.


Mike Kay said, "In fact, I hope they take action first, and we will start to see the gradual elimination of disposable electronic cigarettes.


John Dunne, the Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), acknowledged the environmental impact of disposable e-cigarettes in response to the controversy. However, he believes that there is a significant potential for maximum recycling and reuse of such products.


Reference:


A new report suggests that 90% of vape manufacturers in the UK are not adhering to the country's environmental regulations.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

U.S. Fifth Circuit Court Rejects Shenzhen Youme’s Appeal, Upholds Sales Ban on “Suorin Air”
U.S. Fifth Circuit Court Rejects Shenzhen Youme’s Appeal, Upholds Sales Ban on “Suorin Air”
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has dismissed an appeal by Shenzhen Youme Information Technology and its U.S. distributor Frendz Trading, Inc. (doing business as Vape-E-Way) against an FDA marketing denial order, maintaining the ban on sales of its “Suorin Air” open-system e-cigarette device. The court ruled that Youme failed to provide key “abuse liability” research data needed to assess addiction risks—particularly when used with high-nicotine e-liquids—and its potential appeal
Aug.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Police Seize 22,900 Smuggled E-Cigarettes Worth Approximately $310,000
Thai Police Seize 22,900 Smuggled E-Cigarettes Worth Approximately $310,000
On July 9, Thailand’s highway police intercepted a van smuggling e-cigarettes, seizing 22,920 devices worth around 10 million baht (approximately $310,000), and arrested the 41-year-old driver. This is the largest e-cigarette smuggling case in the country so far in 2025, and police plan to expand the investigation.
Jul.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Waste Fires Surge: Biffa Calls for Enhanced E-Cigarette Recycling Management
UK Waste Fires Surge: Biffa Calls for Enhanced E-Cigarette Recycling Management
UK waste management company Biffa reported a 70% increase in fires related to batteries and electronic devices at its UK recycling facilities in June 2025, reaching 60 incidents. Despite the ban on single-use e-cigarettes taking effect on June 1, incorrect disposal of e-cigarettes continues to rise. Research indicates that lithium-ion batteries are the primary cause of waste fires, leading to over 1,200 fires in the UK each year. Biffa has called on the UK government to introduce kerbside collec
Aug.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands Urges UK Government to Strengthen E-Cigarette Sales Guidelines and Promote Refillable Devices
Imperial Brands Urges UK Government to Strengthen E-Cigarette Sales Guidelines and Promote Refillable Devices
Imperial Brands urges the UK to strengthen e-cigarette sales guidance, supporting pod-only sales compatible with reusable devices. The company says this approach, alongside the disposable vape ban, can better reduce e-waste and improve cost-effectiveness.
Jul.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Global Spotlight on Shenzhen: 2Firsts to Host Global NGP Rethink Forum on July 25 to Rethink the Industry’s Future
Global Spotlight on Shenzhen: 2Firsts to Host Global NGP Rethink Forum on July 25 to Rethink the Industry’s Future
2Firsts Global Forum opens in July, reshaping the future of the NGP industry.
Jul.17
Philippines DTI Orders E-Commerce Platforms to Take Down Illegal E-Cigarettes Within 7 Days or Face Heavy Penalties
Philippines DTI Orders E-Commerce Platforms to Take Down Illegal E-Cigarettes Within 7 Days or Face Heavy Penalties
The Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ordered e-commerce and digital platforms to remove illegal e-cigarette products within seven days, or risk heavy fines and even suspension of operations. These products were found to be in violation of several laws for lacking excise tax stamps or certification marks.
Aug.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai