The RSPCA is urging animal lovers to ensure their local MP helps to push through a potential ban on disposable vapes.
Amid recent reports suggesting the UK Government will announce a ban on disposable vapes in England, the RSPCA wants MPs to ensure this momentum continues.
It said the impact on animals from these toxic and dangerous items is a growing concern for the charity’s officers on the frontline.
RSPCA data shows that between 2020 and 2022, 10,482 calls about litter-affected animals were made to the charity’s emergency line, and it is believed vapes have been contributing to the problem.
In Berkshire, the RSPCA received 125 reports between 2020 and 2022 of animals affected by litter
It added that shockingly, the number of disposable vapes being discarded each week has reportedly increased to five million – with research from Material Focus also revealing that 3% of UK vapers admitted they drop single-use vapes on the ground.
“As such, the RSPCA fears that animals have never been more at risk from these items,” it said.
RSPCA campaigns manager Carrie Stones said: “Discarded disposable vapes pose a threat to the environment, pets, farm animals and wildlife, and animal lovers can help speed up a ban on them by putting pressure on their MP.
“Too many single-use vapes are simply being tossed away in our communities and the infrastructure for recycling these vapes just isn’t widely available.
“Animals could be in danger by ingesting liquid from discarded, disposable vapes; while devices left on the ground can also impact habitats.”
A survey from the charity – as part of its #VexedAboutVapes campaign – showed 94% of respondents supported a ban on disposable vapes.
Carrie added: “Our survey found that more than 90% of respondents were concerned about the impact disposable vapes have on both the environment and wildlife.
“More than seven in 10 people also said they’d found discarded disposable vapes – highlighting how widespread this litter is, and the potential threat to animals.
“We want to keep the topic of banning disposable vapes at the forefront of the UK Government’s agenda and the public can really help.
“By putting pressure on their MPs, we’ll hopefully soon be seeing a ban implemented in England by the UK Government.”
