Government expected to announce new legislation.

Reports that the Government is set to announce a ban on disposable vapes in England have been welcomed by the RSPCA.

The charity has been calling for a ban on the manufacture and sale of single-use vapes to help protect wildlife.

The RSPCA's ‘Vexed about vapes’ campaign has highlighted the risks of animals digesting or choking on vape pens, which contain harmful chemicals. The lithium-ion batteries in vapes also pose a fire risk which could threaten wildlife.

According to research by Material Focus, an estimated five million disposable vapes are thrown away as litter each week in the UK.

When questioned by Sky News about reports of a ban, Government minister Michelle Donelan did not rule out a change in the law, saying that the Government will be making further announcements on the topic.

As the expected legislation will only apply to England, the RSPCA is calling on the Welsh government to work with the UK Government to extend any ban to include Wales. The Scottish government is currently consulting on a ban.

Harriet Main, RSPCA public affairs manager, said: “Discarded disposable vapes pose a threat to the environment and animals - so this news marks a great day for wildlife right across England.

“The infrastructure for recycling these vapes just isn't widely available - and too many single-use vapes are simply being tossed away in our communities, putting animals needlessly at risk.

“Animals could be in danger by ingesting liquid from discarded, disposable vapes; while strewn devices can also impact habitats. Dealing with this is positive for the environment and for animal welfare, and we look forward to working with the UK Government to ensure a ban can be introduced as soon as possible.”

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