Banned Disposable Vapes Could Still Be Available Under NHS “Swap to Stop” Scheme

Despite the news that government ministers are finalising plans to ban disposable vapes in England, disposables could still be available to smokers under the NHS’ “swap to stop” scheme.

Various news outlets have reported a looming ban on single-use vapes in England, which could be announced as early as this week. Ministers and politicians, including the current PM, have expressed concerns about their popularity among under-18s. 

There is also concern about the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which leave behind a spent lithium-ion battery and plastics when discarded. Furthermore, only 17% of disposable vape users recycle their vapes, meaning the majority of those purchased in the UK are sent to landfill or discarded on the street.

As we’ve already written, this disposable vape ban—while well-intentioned, for the most part—is a recipe for disaster. 

However, sources from the health department have suggested that disposable vapes could still be made available to smokers wishing to quit under the recently announced NHS “swap to stop” scheme.

What is the NHS “Swap to Stop” Scheme?

The Health Minister, Neil O’Brien, announced in April that one in five adult smokers in England will be offered a free vape to help them quit smoking. This is a response to the government’s promise to make the country “smoke-free” by 2030—which will be achieved once adult smoking rates fall to 5% or less.

The “swap to stop” scheme will initially run for two years and will build off of the pilot schemes which have seen success in areas like Bath, Sheffield, Plymouth, and Southampton.

There are a number of “swap to stop” programs already in place throughout the country, like the one by Smokefree Norfolk offering 12 weeks of vape supplies.

Will Disposable Vapes Be Available in the “Swap to Stop” Scheme?

Local authorities are going to be invited to partake later this year and are being encouraged to consider the environmental impacts of the vape kits they choose to distribute. However, authorities will be free to choose whichever vaping products they believe provide the greatest likelihood of helping smokers quit—which may mean distributing disposable vapes.

Local governments have already signed contracts with disposable vape manufacturers as part of their regional “swap to stop” schemes, with contracts worth over £550,000 in total which aren’t due to expire until 2025.

Conclusion

So, while a disposable vape ban may be imminent, they likely won’t disappear from the UK. They’ll live on primarily in black market sales from your local corner shop or shady online retailer, and for a small minority of those who need them, they may be available through the NHS—emphasis on may.