An incoming £4 tax on all disposables

There are whispers in the wind that the UK government is considering a £4 tax on all disposables. Yes, you read that right. Every time you chuck out a new disposable vape, you could be charged an extra £4. Now, before you start hyperventilating, let's take a moment to read through this blog by Vapor Shop Direct and understand why this tax is being proposed.

The Proposal for £4 Tax on Disposable Vapes

There are rumours that the UK government is considering an upcoming tax that is to be charged for all disposables. This will be the government’s answer to the uprising of plastic waste and the use of disposable vapes by youngsters. If this tax is confirmed, then the predicted time of it taking on effect is later this year. Here are the major impacts that are expected to be made by this tax.

Deterring disposable vapes from children

Disposable vapes are the cheapest type of vapes in the market. With a price point even less than £5, disposable vapes have become hot among the young crowd. The percentage of young vapers has gone from seven per cent in 2020, eight per cent in 2021 to 52 per cent in 2022. Almost a seven-fold increment when comparing just the last two years.

While vaping is far safer than smoking and is a good alternative to smoking, vaping does not come risk-free. Even though vapes do not contain harmful substances like Tar in them as cigarettes, they may contain a skosh of volatile organic compounds and some heavy metals. This extra £4 is placed to make disposable vapes less affordable for youngsters while still being cheaper than smoking to ex-smokers.

Reduce plastic waste

While the prospect of a £4 tax on disposable vapes may seem daunting, it's important to remember the bigger picture. Our planet is suffering, and we all have a responsibility to do our part in reducing waste and protecting the environment.

Even though disposable vapes are made to be recycled after their useful time, many don’t know it. Most vapers don’t dispose of disposable vapes properly. Most of them just throw it away without any proper care. The situation is worsened to the point that with just a 60-minute litter pick, you’ll probably end up with like 60 disposables.

In this case, discouraging vapers from buying disposable vapes and encouraging them to switch to more practical options like rechargeables is going to make a considerable difference.

The Impact on the vaping industry

Since disposable vapes make up a large portion of the market, this tax will have some significant repercussions. This tax is expected to reduce the number of disposable vapes in circulation and encourage vapers to switch to more environmentally friendly alternatives.

This tax could also be an opportunity for innovation. Companies could develop refillable, or biodegradable vapes that not only reduce waste but also provide a better vaping experience. The vaping industry is no stranger to change and disruption, and this could be a chance for companies to step up and lead the charge towards a more sustainable future.  

Conclusion

The proposed £4 tax on disposable vapes is a significant step towards protecting both the environment and the next generations. While it may have an impact on the vaping industry, it could also lead to innovation and new opportunities. As consumers, we have the power to make a difference. So, let's take this opportunity to rethink our vaping habits and make a positive impact on both ourselves and our dear planet.