Slough’s MP has called for “urgent action” to tackle the environmental impact of single-use vapes.

A ban on single-use vapes is reportedly set to be announced by the government soon amid growing concerns over their use among young people.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has claimed 1.3 million disposable vapes are thrown away every week in the UK.

Tan Dhesi, Labour MP for Slough, has also voiced worries about the effect these vapes could have on environmental health.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I am concerned that Ministers have not undertaken any assessment of the environmental impact of single-use vapes, despite research suggesting at least 1.3 million are thrown away each week across the UK.

“Incorrectly disposing of these devices has significant consequences for our environment, including here in Slough.

“This is unsustainable and, in my view, requires urgent action, including giving councils the resources they need to keep our communities clean and safe.”

The LGA called for a ban on disposable vapes in July, citing their prevalence as an item of street litter and the potential fire risk from lithium batteries.

The organisation also voiced concerns about the potential appeal of some vapes to children – especially those with flavours and colourful packaging.

However, it is both illegal to sell vapes to under-18s and for an adult to purchase them on behalf of a minor.

Chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board councillor David Fothergill said: “Councils are not anti-vapes, which are shown to be less harmful than smoking and have a place as a tool to use in smoking cessation.

“However, disposable vapes are fundamentally flawed in their design and inherently unsustainable products, meaning an outright ban will prove more effective than attempts to recycle more vapes.”

Vaping is a common tactic for ex-smokers to quit cigarettes.

ONS data shows that 15.2 per cent of Slough adults were cigarette smokers in 2022, slightly higher than the UK average of 12.9 per cent.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We are concerned about the rise in youth vaping and the environmental impacts of disposable vapes.

“That is why we commissioned research looking into the environmental impact of disposable vapes, while a call for evidence is looking to identify opportunities to reduce the number of children accessing and using vaping products – and explore where the government can go further.

“We will set out our response in due course.”