Worries about disposable vapes littering the city's streets are increasing.

Now available in almost every colour and flavour imaginable, they have become popular among more people than those just trying to kick a smoking habit.  

Gary Champion, Green Party councillor for Sewell Ward, in the Sprowston Road area of NR3, said: “There is an increasing problem with vapes in Norwich. 

“Even though most disposable vapes contain a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, they are designed to be discarded once the liquid runs out. 

Norwich Evening News: While walking around the city a discarded vape can be seen on almost every street While walking around the city a discarded vape can be seen on almost every street (Image: Newsquest)

“We frequently pick them up when we are litter picking.” 

Gary is concerned about the age group of the people using the vapes.

He added: “They are designed to appeal to children with bright packaging, exotic flavours and enticing names.” 

Despite the legal age to buy a vape being 18, Cllr Chapman said: “Alarmingly the NHS has estimated that 10pc of 11 to 15-year-olds are using vapes.” 

Norwich Evening News: Gary Champion thinks that vapes are a problem that need addressing in the city Gary Champion thinks that vapes are a problem that need addressing in the city (Image: Newsquest)

Disposable vapes contain 20mg of nicotine – the maximum legal amount in the UK. 

Now, those vapes are being tossed to the floor after use with almost every street in the city centre having the brightly coloured plastic discarded on its floor.  

Cllr Chapman continued: “Like with other forms of litter, we need to lead by example and educate.

"Furthermore, the companies selling disposable plastic vapes need to be legislated, as it makes no sense to ban plastic straws whilst ignoring this rubbish blight.” 

Norwich Evening News: The NHS reports that 10pc of 11- to 15-year-olds are using vapesThe NHS reports that 10pc of 11- to 15-year-olds are using vapes (Image: Newsquest)

Vapes are not explicitly listed on Norfolk County Council's recycling page, but as a small electrical item, it should be bagged up with other small electrical waste and left for collection. 

Cllr champion concluded: “I would encourage people who see a discarded vape on the floor, to bin them if possible.  

“Disposable plastic vapes are an issue that we should not ignore and whilst a helpful tool to stop smoking needs to have tougher controls.” 

Norwich Evening News: Walking around the city centre it is impossible to not see discarded vapes and their packagingWalking around the city centre it is impossible to not see discarded vapes and their packaging (Image: Newsquest)