Disposable vapes under fire in the UK as Waitrose bans them from its shelves

UK supermarket chain Waitrose’s recent announcement that it would stop stocking disposable vaping devices in a bid to curb youth vaping rates as well as pollution was met with criticism for its alleged incoherence, although most nicotine firms acknowledged the need for an effective recycling of single-use devices.

While the retailer’s move was welcomed by environmental activists and organisations fighting youth nicotine consumption, some industry operators accused Waitrose of being hypocritical, as it kept selling highly polluting and health-harming tobacco products, including traditional cigarettes.