Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
107. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to prohibit the sale and distribution of single use disposable vapes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41795/23]
View answerOn 1 June 2023, I launched a public consultation to help inform Ireland’s environmental response to disposable vaping devices. Disposable vaping devices present several challenges to our current waste collection and recycling system, and they can and should be recycled in a responsible manner. The public consultation closed on 11 August 2023.
Over 3,000 submissions were made by individuals and organisations, including retailers, and around 85% of respondents supported the banning of disposable vaping devices. A summary of results will be published shortly.
In addition to a potential ban on disposable vapes, other policy options include:
• Establish a deposit and return system for the devices.
• Enhance the producer responsibility scheme to ensure that all producers placing disposable vaping devices on the market are registered with the Producer Register Limited and complying fully in producer responsibility.
• Increase public awareness around the return of devices for responsible recycling.
The consultation responses are now being reviewed and considered by my Department. I will make a decision on the most appropriate course of action to address these devices as soon as my assessment of responses has been completed.
