Smoking and vape litter

Smoking and vape litter data

We collect data through robust litter surveys using GLÂN (Geospatial Litter Analysis) – our world‑leading methodology for monitoring and analysing litter trends.

These figures show the extent of smoking and vape litter across Wales last year in publicly accessible areas including streets, car parks, parks and green spaces, and designated bathing water beaches.

For the all the latest litter survey results, visit our litter data page.

Litter data

80.3%

sites had smoking and vape litter

75.3%

sites had cigarette butts

14.2%

sites had vapes

Discarded cigarette butts pushing into a tree stump

Understanding the issue

There is still very little awareness about the environmental impact of smoking and vape litter. There are also some common misconceptions.

Cigarette butts release toxic chemicals into the environment, but they are small and difficult to clean up. Their size means they are easily carried by wind and rain into drains, rivers and eventually the sea.
Wildlife can mistake cigarette butts for food, which can be fatal.
Despite common belief, cigarette filters are not biodegradable – they’re actually made of plastic and can remain in the environment for many years.
Vapes pose similar risks. Not only are they plastic based, but their lithium batteries can release toxic chemicals and pose a fire risk when damaged or exposed to heat.
Vapes also contain valuable metals that are lost when discarded rather than recovered for reuse.

A close-up of a single-use vape littered on a street

A positive step: the single use vape ban

A UK‑wide ban on single‑use vapes came into force on 1 June 2025 – a big step forward for protecting our environment.

We welcomed this change, having called for a ban since single use vapes first appeared on the market.

We know bans aren’t always the best or most popular thing to do. But single‑use vapes created serious environmental problems that couldn’t be ignored, and action was needed.

We’re now keeping a close eye on what’s happening on the ground. Our volunteers and GLÂN surveys are helping us track the impact of the ban.