Northern Ireland Bans Single-Use Vapes

A significant step towards tackling vape-related waste has come into force in Northern Ireland, where a new law banning the sale and supply of single-use vapes is now in effect. The move forms part of a wider UK initiative, with England, Wales, and Scotland introducing similar measures, creating a de facto UK-wide ban. This latest legislation makes it a criminal offence in Northern Ireland to sell or supply disposable vapes, with penalties of up to two years' imprisonment and a fine for those who breach the law. Businesses have been granted a six-month grace period to sell off existing stock and adapt to the new regulations.

Meanwhile, the Irish Government is working on drafting its own equivalent legislation. This leaves the island of Ireland with two different approaches to single-use vapes for the time being.

Disposable vapes — also known as e-cigarettes — are classed as electrical items and they often contain built-in batteries. That means they can’t go in the regular bin. Instead, they need to be recycled properly. By law, shops that sell these devices must take them back for free recycling. Rechargeable vape devices are also classified as WEEE, although users must remove any liquid tanks before returning them for recycling.

The new laws respond to the growing environmental concern over vape waste, with an estimated five million disposable vapes discarded each week in the UK alone.

As the Republic prepares to follow suit, this marks a decisive shift in how authorities on both sides of the border are addressing the environmental and public health impacts of vaping.

ERP Ireland offers free recycling of these devices through our battery collection network. ERP battery recycling boxes are located at your local supermarket or recycling centre. Vape and e-cigarette vendors must also accept these products for recycling on a one-for-one, like for like basis.