Ban on single-use vapes welcomed

THE NEW national ban on single-use vapes has been welcomed by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The council’s trading standards team recently successfully secured a closure order for Keynsham Mini Market in the High Street over the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco.

The government’s action, which came into force on June 1, is aimed at reducing the environmental impact and fire risk caused by such vapes.

Vapes are made of plastics that do not break down in the environment, are often littered and introduce harmful substances into the ecosystem. They can also cause fires if not recycled properly.

Research by Material Focus shows that, nationally, an estimated 8.2 million vapes are thrown away every week or recycled incorrectly, which amounts to 13 per second.

B&NES Council is reminding residents to place used vapes in loosely tied clear plastic bags on top of their green recycling boxes or visit www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk to find the nearest collection point. Batteries from rechargeable vapes should be removed and recycled with other batteries.

Traders are reminded of their legal duty to provide collection points for waste vapes to their customers and that all waste vapes should be collected by a registered vape recycling service.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for communications and civic services, said: “We welcome the single-use vape ban, which will reduce the amount of environmental waste and damage to our ecosystem. However, the challenges posed by these products will remain.

“Vapes placed in bags of rubbish or left loose in recycling containers can lead to fires, so please leave them in a clear plastic bag on top of your green box.

“Illegal vapes are unregulated and pose a risk to consumers. Our trading standards team will continue to work hard to stop illegal vapes being sold, including making checks on local retailers.”

Bath Magistrates Court imposed a three-month closure order on Keynsham Mini Market on May 8.

The order followed a large number of complaints being received and investigations undertaken into activities at the premises, which were found to be contributing to anti-social behaviour in the area.

For the period of closure, only those who are named residents and authorised persons are permitted to enter the premises.