NFCC highlights fire safety risks of single-use vapes

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has expressed support for the UK Government’s decision to ban single-use vapes, citing serious fire hazards posed by these devices in waste management.

NFCC Waste Fires Lead Rob Barber welcomed the announcement, noting that discarded vapes frequently cause fires due to their lithium-ion batteries.

Barber said: “[Thursday]’s announcement is very welcome. Millions of single-use vapes are binned in household rubbish each year, and not only are they bad for the environment, they pose a fire risk in the waste disposal industry.”

The NFCC has drawn attention to research by Material Focus, revealing over 1,200 battery-related fires in 2023.

According to Barber: “Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, and these can cause fires when crushed or damaged that can be explosive, spread rapidly, reignite, and which can produce toxic gasses posing a risk to firefighters and people working in the waste industry.”

NFCC calls for regulation in vape industry

Alongside the ban, Barber urged the introduction of safety standards within the rechargeable vape sector.

He explained that consumers may seek alternative options after the ban on single-use vapes, potentially leading to an influx of unregulated products.

Barber stated: “A crucial next step would be the introduction of robust product safety standards for the rechargeable vape industry so that we don’t see people trying to fill the void left by single-use vapes by turning to cheap unregulated products from the global marketplace.”

Background on the UK’s vape ban legislation

The UK Government’s legislative push to ban single-use vapes, slated to take effect on 1 June 2025, is intended to combat issues linked to waste, environmental harm, and public health.

Announced by Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh, the legislation is a response to concerns that single-use vapes frequently end up in general waste or as litter, which contributes to the potential for fires and environmental degradation.

Material Focus estimates that nearly five million single-use vapes are discarded weekly in the UK, with the waste contributing to pollution and fire risks.

NFCC highlights need for stronger waste disposal practices

The NFCC also pointed out the complications single-use vapes create for waste management systems.

These vapes, when disposed of improperly, often reach landfills or incinerators, where they pose an increased risk of fire.

Additionally, they release toxic substances such as lead and mercury, which can leach into soil and water, impacting wildlife and public health.

The NFCC believes the new ban will help reduce these risks and bring the country closer to a sustainable waste disposal framework.

NFCC supports UK ban on single-use vapes to reduce fire hazards: Summary

The UK Government’s impending ban on single-use vapes, set to take effect in June 2025, has received strong support from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), which cites fire safety concerns and environmental impact as key issues.

According to the NFCC’s Rob Barber, the ban will reduce fire hazards linked to the disposal of lithium-ion battery-powered vapes, which have been known to cause fires in waste facilities.

Additionally, the NFCC advocates for regulation of the rechargeable vape market to prevent the influx of potentially unsafe products following the ban.

This legislation aligns with government efforts to limit environmental harm and public health risks associated with disposable vape waste.