AN urgent review of the environmental impacts and management of single-use vapes has been commissioned by the Scottish Government.
The review comes in response to emerging concerns around the negative consequences of single-use vapes, widely available in shops across Scotland.
The review could include a ban on the products, the Scottish Government said.
The disposable smoking devices have been linked to issues including litter, plastic waste and fire risk.
Zero Waste Scotland will lead the review, which the Scottish Government said will consider international experience and action, including any key developments in the European Union.
Other approaches could include increasing access to responsible disposal options, improved product design or public communications campaigns.
Lorna Slater, circular economy minister, said: “Not only are single-use vapes bad for public health, they are also bad for the environment.
"From litter on our streets, to the risk of fires in waste facilities, there are issues which need to be addressed urgently.
“We will consider the evidence and expert advice and come forward with policy options, which could include a potential ban on single-use vapes.
“In the meantime, we would urge everyone who uses these products to make sure they are disposed of properly.”
Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Any form of littering is an unacceptable, anti-social behaviour, that is damaging to the environment and the economy.
"Single-use items, like disposable vapes, are becoming an all-too-common eyesore in areas where we live, work, and socialise, and can last in our environment for years and years.
"Tackling our throwaway culture is a priority here at Zero Waste Scotland and we are happy to lead on this important review.”
We previously told how an environmental campaigner called on the Scottish Government to ban disposable vapes after she found 55 littered around Dundee in the space of an hour walking around the city.
Laura Young, who has become known as the "vape crusader", pointed out that they are difficult to recycle and many people don't know how to, and has called for a ban.
