From pavements to smoking areas to the hands of basically every single young person: vapes are everywhere these days. But we all know that single-use electronic cigs aren’t exactly the most eco-friendly pastime. In fact, some people have even speculated that 2023 could be the year that Elf Bars go to die.
Now, it’s looking like Glasgow could become the first city in the UK to introduce a ban on single-use vapes.
The council recently confirmed that its Environment and Liveable Neighbourhoods Committee will write to the Scottish government calling for the introduction of new legislation banning their sale. It has concerns about the future health of the city’s young people and the rising environmental impact of littering. There are also worries about the bright colour of vapes, thought to encourage use among children.
The Scottish government has commissioned a review of the impact of single-use vapes after campaigners called for action over littering. It has also set up an expert group to consider a ban on vapes for Glasgow.
Glasgow Councillor Elaine McSporran said: ‘We are seeing more and more disposable vapes littering our streets and green spaces, because people are just dropping them when they are empty.
‘They are made of plastic which, as we know, takes decades to degrade and can end up in our rivers and oceans where it is a threat to wildlife and can get into the food chain. They are also powered by lithium batteries which contain corrosive and flammable chemicals.’
In February, Dundee City Council also backed a proposed ban on the sale of disposable vapes.
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