St Albans Council asks UK Government to ban single-use vapes

A motion was carried last Wednesday (October 18) that will see the local authority's leader, Cllr Chris White, pen a letter asking for the items to be prohibited.

Cllr White will also write to Hertfordshire County Council to request it implements mandatory age-of-sale signage on vaping products.

According to Cllr Sinéad Howland, 1.3 million disposable vapes are thrown away every week, becoming a fire hazard in the process.

The leader of St Albans City & District Council, Cllr Chris White.

Even when sent for recycling, the design of single-use vapes means that the batteries cannot be separated from their plastic.

This makes them "near impossible" to recycle.

Cllr Sinéad Howland, who drafted the motion with Cllr Raihaanah Ahmed, said: "Over a month ago there was talk from the government that it would introduce a ban on single-use vapes.

"This has not yet happened.

Liberal Democrat councillor Sinéad Howland. (Image: Sinead Howland)

"Single-use vapes are harmful to the environment and too many young people are taking up vaping.

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"I am pleased that the vote was unanimous on this important issue.

"We need to keep applying pressure to make sure the government makes the right decision and enforces a ban on single-use vapes.”