What began as a routine dog walk turned into a nationwide movement when social media influencer Laura Young, known online as “Less Waste Laura,” started documenting the litter problem caused by disposable vapes in Dundee. Frustrated with repeatedly picking them up, she took to TikTok to voice her concerns. One of her videos went viral, amassing over 10.5 million views, which significantly amplified the message and caught public and media attention.
Social Media Advocacy Leads to Government Action on Dangerous Disposable Vape Epidemic
The viral momentum soon translated into mainstream media campaigns and caught the eyes of government officials. Within weeks of her viral post, Laura was meeting with ministers, and her campaign became a leading voice against disposable vapes. Her tweet on the issue became the top search result for disposable vapes, showcasing the influence of her social media advocacy.
Less Waste Laura’s Viral Vape Campaign Sparks UK Ban and National Reckoning on E-WasteA year after Laura’s initial campaign, the Scottish government launched a formal investigation into the environmental and health impacts of single-use vapes. The findings were alarming—2.7 million vapes littered in Scotland in a year and 78,000 under-18s using them. The environmental risks, including broken vapes causing tyre punctures and metal contamination, were especially concerning to Laura.
Fire Damage Reinforces Urgency Behind Campaign to Ban Harmful Disposable Vape Devices
In the same year, a major fire at a recycling plant in Aberdeen was linked to a discarded vape containing a lithium-ion battery. The fire took just 10 seconds to spread, causing extensive damage and highlighting the dangers of improper vape disposal. This incident helped reinforce the urgency of Laura’s campaign and the need for legislative action.
Thanks in large part to Laura’s persistence, a UK-wide ban on disposable vapes is now coming into effect, following initial proposals in Scotland. Though some retailers introduced recycling options, Laura estimates she has personally collected thousands of vapes. While proud of her achievement, she also hopes her success will lead to greater awareness of the broader issue of disposable electronics and their environmental toll. She remains open to launching new campaigns, with no shortage of suggestions from supporters.
