Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
282. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the estimated environmental impact of disposable vape products, particularly plastic waste; whether a ban or strict regulation is being considered as part of Ireland’s climate and waste reduction commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5400/26]
View answerIn order to protect the environment and ensure the recycling of the valuable materials, it is important that electronic vaping devices are disposed of correctly. Proper takeback and disposal are also part of the transition to a circular economy.
The Annual National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report to local authorities found that vape-related litter made up approximately 2% of littered items in 2024.
Ireland uses Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) measures for dealing with waste streams such as batteries and waste electrical and electronic equipment. EPR requires producers to fund the collection and appropriate management of vaping devices when they become waste. The compliance schemes with responsibility for WEEE/Batteries, WEEE Ireland and ERP Ireland, facilitate the collective take back of this e-waste for free, recycling via their battery collection network and dedicated battery boxes.
Ultimately, a ban on single-use vapes would very effectively address the issues caused by the incorrect disposal of these devices. I understand that the Minister for Health is progressing the ban on the sale of single-use vapes under the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill. This includes devices which are not refillable, have a battery which cannot be recharged or a coil which cannot be replaced.
