Humza Yousaf has said “nothing is off the table” including a ban to tackle the disposable vapes litter epidemic. Challenged on the issue by Green MSP Gillian Mackay today, the First Minister said the Scottish Government's expert group is currently considering a ban on single-use vapes.
Zero Waste Scotland's review will look at the environmental impacts, such as litter and fire risk - which is a particular problem when the electronic devices end up in landfill.
It comes as the Daily Record’s Bin the Vapes campaign - calling for throwaway disposable e-cigs to be outlawed - is gathering momentum. More than half of Scottish councils - 17 out of 32 - have now backed our calls for a ban after Highland Council and Fife Council approved motions today. It means councillors in every Scottish city have now endorsed the move.
A staggering 1.3million polluting single-use vapes are dumped on UK streets every week - wasting single-use plastic and precious lithium - enough to cover 22 football pitches.
Speaking at First Minister's Questions on Thursday, Yousaf also acknowledged the health impacts of vapes as well as the risk to children.
Asked by Mackay whether ministers are considering a ban on health and environmental grounds, he said: "We will give that consideration. Littering, of course, of any kind is unacceptable. I share the member's concerns about the environmental impacts of single-use vapes, not to mention the increased use among children and young people who should not have access to them in the first place.
"I should make it quite clear that the use of these products is an issue we're taking very seriously and nothing is off the table at this stage."
The First Minister highlighted how local authorities across Scotland - including Edinburgh and Glasgow - have backed a national ban. Councillors have voiced concern that brightly coloured and sweet-flavoured vapes are being designed to appeal to children.
Mackay also urged Yousaf to encourage retailers selling single-use vapes to introduce measures themselves to reduce the harm caused by the products, including keeping them away from public display similar to cigarettes.
She said: "A full ban on disposable vapes is needed. But does the First Minister agree with me that there is much that can be done ahead of a full ban to reduce harm, keeping products away from public view like cigarettes, raising awareness of the legal purchase age, highlighting disposable return points?
"Will the First Minister join with me in calling for retailers to step up to the plate in implementing these measures?" Mr Yousaf said: "Yes, I will join in that call and we're keen to work constructively with retailers in this regard."
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