Disposable vape ban starts next Sunday: Smokers urged to switch and get support to quit for good

From next Sunday (1 June), selling or supplying disposable (single-use) vapes will be illegal across England, Scotland, and Wales. 

We’re urging people who use disposable vapes to prepare now by switching to a refillable device and getting free help to quit smoking from NHS Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley. 

This change is part of new legislation aimed at cutting down single-use plastic waste and reducing underage access to vapes.

After Sunday 1 June, all legal vape products must be rechargeable and refillable.  

What should vapers do now?  

• Switch to a refillable vape device. Making this change can save you money in just a few weeks.  
• Get free stop smoking and vaping support from Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley. This includes their online quit tool, advice helpline and free vape starter kits for eligible smokers looking to quit. 
• Dispose of your old disposable vapes safely at vape shops or recycling centres. They must not go in the general waste due to fire risks.  

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “This new law is a big step forward for both the environment and public health. It will help keep vapes out of children’s hands and tackle plastic waste.

“But it’s vital we don’t lose sight of the bigger issue, tobacco. Smoking is still the number one cause of preventable illness and death. Vaping remains a useful way for adults trying to quit smoking, and Barnsley’s stop smoking service is here to help.”  

Know the facts: 

• Cigarette butts and disposable vapes are the most littered item in the world, causing real damage to the environment. 
• NHS advice is clear. Vaping is less harmful than smoking, making it an effective quit tool. Vaping is not risk-free, so if you don’t smoke, don’t start vaping. 
• Refillable vapes are available for less than half the cost of a pack of cigarettes.

If you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking and vaping, Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley’s friendly, trained advisors are here to help you. Find out more about the support they offer by visiting their website or calling 0330 660 1166. 

You can learn more about vaping to quit smoking by visiting the NHS website.

Information for retailers and businesses: 

From next Sunday (1 June), it will be illegal for businesses to sell, supply, offer for sale or supply, or possess for sale any single-use or ‘disposable’ vapes. This includes sales made online or in shops, and covers all disposable vapes, including those that don’t contain nicotine. 

You can still sell or supply reusable vapes that meet legal requirements, such as being no more than 2ml and having a business address in the UK. 

This legislation will be enforced by local Trading Standards teams across the country. 

If you have any questions about the rules or suspect someone in Barnsley is illegally supplying disposable vapes, please contact our Trading Standards team. You can learn more about how to do this on our dedicated webpage. 

In the first instance, enforcement will focus on civil penalties, which may include:  

• A stop notice. 
• A compliance notice.  
• A fixed penalty fine of £200. 

Trading Standards also have the power to seize illegal single-use vapes. Continued breaches of the legislation may result in more serious penalties, including:  

• An unlimited fine. 
• A prison sentence of up to two years. 
• A cost recovery notice, covering the full costs of investigation and enforcement. 

For full guidance, please visit the Government website or read the Business Companion’s useful resource on knowing the rules.