Our study Analysis of the Market for Vapes: Exploring the environmental impacts of single-use vapes, conducted for the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), helped build the evidence base for the rapidly growing single-use vape market in the UK and its environmental impacts.
The report presents an assessment of trends in vape manufacturing and the import and export market, based on desk-based research and stakeholder engagement. We found that the market features a high volume of illicit products, frequent non-compliance with WEEE regulations, and difficulties in accurately tracking and categorising vape products.
We modelled greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the raw material extraction, manufacturing, and disposal of single-use vapes. We examined treatment and disposal routes, material composition, and the impacts of waste fires from lithium-ion batteries. Our study also involved a qualitative assessment of the impact of littered vapes on soil, water, and biodiversity.
Most single-use vapes are discarded in residual waste bins and eventually incinerated or put in landfill – although many others are littered. Only 1% are actually recycled due to some significant barriers: consumers must travel to local recycling centres or specific shops to deposit them, and recyclers have little economic incentive because of the cost and time involved in separating components for low financial return.
Our report highlighted the need for policy intervention to address the environmental impact of single-use vapes. It was cited in the impact assessments for legislation to ban their sale and supply in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and Scotland, which came into force in 2025.
