RETAILERS are being urged to ban the sale of single-use vapes.

The call comes from environmental and health charities after the Scottish Government announced a review into the impact of the throw-away devices.

It also follows concerns raised recently by a Clacks representative over rising levels of vaping in young people.

The issue was raised by MSP Alexander Stewart, as reported recently, with the government sharing concerns over reports of children and young people obtaining vaping products.

E-cigarettes or vapes have become a popular tool in helping people quit smoking and they are not recommended for non-smokers.

Compared to re-useable vapes, which are rechargeable and refillable, disposable variants come ready to go and only last for around 600 puffs, at which point they become obsolete and require complete replacement.

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful explained this undermines the principles of a circular economy and the government has recently ordered an urgent review of the environmental impacts.

Barry Fisher, chief executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We know that 87 per cent of Scottish people believe litter is an issue across the country.

“Scotland is currently facing a litter emergency and single-use vapes are an unwelcome addition.

“That’s why we are calling on all Scottish retailers to ban sales of the product.

“Cigarette litter in general makes up the biggest chunk of litter we record across Scotland and we know that single-use vapes are increasing as a new, unnecessary litter type.

“We reiterate our call for action, up to and including a ban on single-use vapes.

“Whilst we wait for the review we’re calling on all Scottish retailers to follow Waitrose and stop the sale of single-use vapes in their premises.”

Indeed, the supermarket chain said it was determined to “do the right thing” when it came to the devices.

Jade Symonds, trading manager at Waitrose, added: “Not participating in the single-use vaping market is something we felt strongly about – due to the environmental impact and also the risk these products pose in appealing to younger, non-smokers."