Call by Offaly councillor for ban on disposable vapes

A CALL has been made on Offaly County Council to support an outright ban on the sale of disposal / single use vapes for environmental reasons.

Making the call, Cllr Mark Hackett said “Government policy on disposable vapes is currently under review. I’m asking Offaly County Council to call for an outright ban on the sale and distribution of disposable / single use vaping products. This does not impact in any way on rechargeable vaping products.”

The Geashill based councillor said “disposable vaping devices present several risks. I’m aware of the public health issues but my focus here is on the environment. If the battery is damaged, as many can be if they are not disposed of properly, they can catch fire.  We are increasingly seeing them tossed at the side of the road as litter. And if we consider the critical raw materials in each product, we begin to see how wasteful they really are.”

The Government is seeking the public’s opinion on disposable vaping products and the Green Party Councillor believes it is an excellent time for Offaly to take a lead.

“I don’t think any other local authority has called for an outright ban but there are many individuals and organisations calling for one. The public consultation is open now and Offaly County Council has a narrow window to make a strong statement against this relatively new scourge on our environment.

If vapes are properly disposed of, in battery collection boxes, then Tullamore is the only place in Ireland where they are being recycled. This is a good thing but only if all of the used vapes end up there!

Disposable vaping products are a toxic waste that we don’t need. We have rechargeable alternatives readily available. Saying no to this wastage is an easy win and I believe Government will sit up and listen if Offaly County Council gets behind this call.”