Disposable vaping devices are electronic cigarettes that are not rechargeable. They present several challenges to our current waste collection and recycling system and progress towards a circular economy, particularly where lithium-ion batteries are present, and because the use of critical raw materials and plastic in a disposable product is wasteful.
On 1 June 2023 a public consultation was launched to help inform Ireland’s environmental response to disposable vaping devices. My Department received 3,243 submissions. Findings of note include that 91% of respondents agreed that single use vaping devices are an environmental concern, and 85% of respondents support the banning of disposable vaping devices. I am now assessing the statutory options available to me to give best effect to these findings.
I also welcome the introduction of the the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 which prohibits the sale of nicotine inhaling products to under-18s and the public consultation on the further regulation of e-cigarettes launched by the Minister for Health on 25 November 2023. That consultation seeks the views on issues such as a point-of-sale ban, packaging, flavours and other interventions to decrease the appeal of e-cigarettes for children. I look forward to working with the Minister for Health to ensure we take an all-of-Government approach to the issue of vaping.