Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026: What does it mean for vape waste management?

The single-use vape ban came into effect June 1st 2025 and made it illegal for any retailer in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to sell or stock non-rechargeable and non-refillable vaping devices. The ban was introduced to address growing environmental concerns surrounding the waste generated by disposable vapes and the increasing number of fires that were occurring in recycling facilities from the batteries within the vapes. Despite the ban, a recent report has estimated that more than 6 million vapes and vape pods are still being discarded every week in the UK.  

Now, further changes are on the horizon following the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, bringing additional regulatory requirements relating to the sale, supply and marketing of vape products. This is just another example of the shift in the UK’s regulatory position on smoking and vaping, which will require stricter compliance around how these products are sold, supplied and managed. 

What is the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 

The Tobacco & Vapes Act was passed in April 2026 and introduces a range of measures designed to reduce smoking and youth vaping. Different elements of the Act will be introduced over time, beginning in January 2027.   

One of the key measures is the introduction of a ‘smoke-free generation’. From the implementation date, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products, vapes and nicotine products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, with this age threshold increasing each year after. Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive at Action on Smoking and Health, commented:  “This is a moment to be seized, not only to protect the generations to come but to accelerate our support for the millions who are already smoking. Age should be no barrier to being part of a smoke-free future, whether you’re 70 or 17, now is the time.” 

It also includes a ban on advertising vapes and nicotine products. Marketing campaigns, as well as the actual packaging and branding itself, is often designed to appeal to children. Powers to restrict this will also be part of the Act. This means retailers, manufacturers and suppliers will not be able to promote these products both in physical stores or online. 

Retailers will be subject to a new mandatory licensing scheme, including a personal and premises licence, increasing regulatory oversight of vape operations. 

What do retailers need to do about vape recycling? 

While the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 does not introduce new vape recycling requirements or directly change existing ones, it forms part of a wider move towards tighter regulation of the sector. Existing WEEE regulations continue to apply, meaning retailers must provide customers with a compliant way to return end-of-life vapes.  

As regulatory scrutiny increases, retailers should ensure they have a documented solution for collection, storage and recycling arrangements in place to demonstrate compliance with WEEE requirements and duty of care.​ ​ 

How can AWS Nationwide help 

AWS Nationwide helps retailers stay ahead of regulatory change through compliant collection, secure storage, nationwide logistics and fully auditable reporting.​ 

Retailers selling vape products have a responsibility to ensure that waste is managed compliantly. This includes: 

• Tracking and reporting vape sales and returns to ensure compliance and environmental responsibility.​ 

• Providing customers with an easy way to return used vapes, such as in-store collection.​ 

• Ensuring collected vapes are recycled through authorised facilities to prevent pollution and recover valuable materials like lithium.​ 

Our vape recycling service takes the burden off retailers, providing a fully compliant, fully tracked and environmentally responsible solution for vape waste management. 

Our service includes: 

• A range of collection containers suitable for in-store or on-site collection 

• Secure collection and storage of vape waste 

• Transportation to a specialist recycling facility for treatment and material recovery 

• Appropriate waste and compliance documentation 

• A clear, fully auditable trail to support WEEE compliance and duty of care requirements 

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in financial penalties, enforcement action, and reputational damage. With greater attention being placed on businesses involved in the sale and supply of tobacco and vape products, having robust compliance processes in place is more important than ever. 

AWS Nationwide are proud to be specialists in vape recycling and legislative compliance. With our vape recycling service, we are positioned to enable your business to make decisions surrounding your vape management operations that are both compliant and sustainable.  

Contact us today for more information on how AWS Nationwide can support you in meeting your vape recycling obligations.