Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: Fairer Scotland Duty summary - interim

Reduced littering

49. In the Scottish Household Survey 2022, those living in the 20% most deprived areas were more likely to say neighbourhood problems, such as litter and graffiti, were ‘common’ than those in the least deprived (72% compared with 39%)^[64]. This was further supported by the Scottish Litter Survey in 2023^[65]. Those living in less affluent areas are significantly more likely to view litter as a problem locally. 83% of those in the least affluent neighbourhoods viewed litter as a problem locally. This compares to 56% in the most affluent areas.

50. In the report, ‘How Clean Are Our Streets?’ ^[66], ‘poorer litter outcomes’ (more significant presence of litter) are more prominent in urban-based local authority areas, with 14% of sites significantly impacted by litter compared to 6% in rural-based local authority areas^[67]. Furthermore, in areas of highest deprivation, close to a quarter of sites (23%) recorded a significant presence of litter compared to only 3% in the areas of least deprivation.

51. While there is little available data on what proportion of litter is vape related, Keep Scotland Beautiful have cautioned that vapes are becoming the fastest growing litter stream^[68]. A 2023 report further estimated that between 21 - 26 million disposable vapes were consumed and thrown away in Scotland between April 2022 and April 2023^[69]. As vapes related litter is assumed to decrease rapidly after the proposal is enacted, it is anticipated this will result in a significant positive impact.

52. Views will be sought on the potential impact the proposal may have on reducing litter during the consultation.

53. A better understanding of proportional impacts is required to ensure the Scottish Government can pay due regard to the scale of socio-economic disadvantage and inequalities of outcome in relation to this proposal.

54. All engagement will adhere to our commitments under the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Article 5.3. This ensures our tobacco control policies are protected from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry.