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Ahead of the nationwide ban of disposable vapes coming this Sunday (June 1), the Local Government Association (LGA) - which represents councils across the country - has issued a warning of

the "potentially life-threatening dangers" of stockpiling disposable vapes. From Sunday, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply, or have in their possession for sale,

all single-use or disposable vapes. This comes as part of new legislation under the Labour government, which aims to "curb the rise of young people taking up vaping" as well as

protect the natural environment and the country's streets from a "tide of litter". The ban is supported by Surrey County Council. Its Public Health lead Emma Jones told Surrey

& East Hampshire Greatest Hits in January: "Disposable vapes have been a key driver behind the alarming rise in youth vaping - 69 per cent of underage vapes say they're using

disposable vapes. We really welcome the news that the government is taking vital powers to control design and promotion of vapes to prevent them being promoted to children. "This use

can only have a positive impact in stopping children taking up vaping and will contribute to the government's plan to create a smoke-free generation." With the ban looming, there

is concern that some people are stocking up on single-use vapes before they are no longer available for sale. According to new research by online nicotine retailer, Haypp, 82 per cent of

disposable vape users are planning to stockpile ahead of June 1. The LGA has warned that the lithium batteries contained inside disposable vapes could cause a fire and risk to life if not

stored correctly. This potential danger is heightened when such vapes are stored in numerous quantities. Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:

"With 8.2 million vapes now thrown away, or recycled incorrectly, every week, single use vapes blight our streets as litter, are a hazard in our bin lorries, and are expensive and

difficult to deal with in our recycling centres. "Their colours, flavours and advertising are appealing to children and are a risk to the health of young people. We would also urge

caution to anyone stockpiling disposable vapes. "Failing to store disposable vapes correctly could cost lives, given the significant fire risk they pose."