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Disposable Vape Ban UK: Updates & Alternatives
With vapes banned UK-wide from next year, it's important to understand what this means for you if you vape.
There’s no denying the ever-increasing popularity of vaping. In fact, the number of vapers using disposable vape devices jumped from just 2.3% to a massive 31% in only two years between 2021 and 2023 [1]. That’s an enormous adoption rate.
While these vapes are exclusively designed for adults who want to quit smoking, unfortunately they’ve found their way into the hands of young people all too easily. This has led the government to step in with new legislation, clamping down on it. We’ll explain more about the upcoming 2025 ban on disposable vapes and explore what it means for current adult vapers.
The rising popularity of disposable vapes in the UK
A disposable vape comes pre-filled with e-liquid and contains a one-time battery that can’t be recharged. The device is designed to be used for a certain number of puffs and then safely disposed of.
There are now many brands that sell single use vapes, typically in appealing, eye-catching designs and a wide range of flavours. The ease of use, fun flavours and typically low price point have made the popularity of disposable vapes skyrocket in a short period of time.
While the reported reason for their introduction was to make the switch to vaping more accessible for adult smokers, the waters get muddy when we look at who uses them.
The current number of adults who vape in the UK is reported to be 5.6 million, with 53% of those vapers being ex-cigarette smokers [1].
Vaping is widely regarded as one of the most effective methods for quitting smoking, and among current vapers, 43% mostly use disposable vapes, while 54% mostly use rechargeable vape devices [2].
Clearly, many ex-smoker rely on disposable vapes as their smoking cessation method of choice. But the skyrocketing figures leave it in no doubt that their ease has meant that others have adopted them too - including underage vapers.
The controversy around disposable vapes
For both social and environmental reasons, an overwhelming part of the UK population has been calling for a ban on disposable vaping devices to be put in place.
The environmental impact
The materials and chemicals they’re made with, including lithium batteries, make single use vapes difficult to dispose of. Material Focus, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the safe disposal and reuse of electricals, conducted a survey that revealed over 5 million disposable vapes get thrown away each year in the UK. They also report that only 17% of vapers recycle their single use vapes. Additionally, 33% of 16–18-year-old vapers dispose of single-use vapes in bins at their place of education or work, flush them, or simply drop them on the streets to avoid their families finding out they vape [5].
Irresponsible disposal of vapes, especially littering in nature, can have a devastating impact on the environment. Plus, improper disposal of lithium battery devices can lead to fires in bin trucks and waste treatment facilities. Rechargeable vaping devices are a significantly better choice for the environment.
In an effort to help reduce the associated waste of disposable vapes, all VPZ stores have recycling bins available.
The social impact
While smoking rates have significantly dropped across all groups in the last decade, vaping has become increasingly popular among teenagers. A survey carried out in 2023 by the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that 3.7% of young people between the ages of 11 and 18 in Great Britain vape regularly [1].
Many parents, along with schoolteachers, have expressed concern regarding how easy it is for underage teens to get hold of disposable vaping devices. The culprits are a small minority of shops across the UK that do not perform strict ID checks and as a result, are selling vapes illegally to children [3].
The practice of teens purchasing large quantities of disposable devices and reselling them at their schools has made the devices more widely available to the underage demographic. Plus, vapes are discreet and the vapour smell is much easier to mask than cigarette smoke, making it easy for many teens to hide their secret vaping habits from their families.
How does the perception of disposable vapes come into this? Studies show that teens perceive disposable vapes as “fashionable” and “trendy,” in contrast to tank vaping devices, which are perceived to be used by older adults [4]. Many also argue that colourful, eye-catching packaging and sweet-tasting flavours are very appealing to young people, resulting in higher interest in vaping.
VPZ is committed to responsible retailing and strictly adheres to the Challenge 25 initiative to protect younger individuals from the potential risks associated with nicotine use.
It’s the combination of their negative social and environmental impact that has triggered the backlash that has led to the ban on disposable vapes.
When will disposable vapes be banned in the UK?
One of the most common questions we receive is: when will disposable vapes be banned UK-wide? The government has confirmed that the ban will take effect on June 1st, 2025. Retailers will have until this date to sell remaining stock and prepare for the changes required by the ban.
VPZ fully supports the government’s decision to ban disposable vapes and encourages current vapers, as well as those looking to switch from cigarettes, to opt for reusable vaping kits instead.
What exactly is being banned?
We understand that it’s important to know just what a single-use vape is in order to know what’s being banned under the new regulations.
The upcoming ban on disposable vapes is specifically targeting single-use devices. According to government guidance, a device is considered single-use if:
- It cannot be refilled with e-liquid OR
- It cannot be recharged OR
- It has a coil that cannot be replaced
For a vape to be considered reusable and therefore legal after the ban, it must be both rechargeable AND refillable.
This means traditional 600-puff devices will be banned, along with rechargeable disposables that still have sealed, non-replaceable pods and devices with replaceable pods but non-rechargeable batteries.
But don’t worry, there will still be plenty of easy-to-operate vaping starter kits that make the switch over simple. We’ll cover that after the specifics about the ban.
How will the ban be enforced?
In England, local Trading Standards authorities will take the lead on enforcement. The penalties for retailers caught selling disposable vapes after the ban include:
- Initial civil sanctions, including compliance notices and £200 fines
- Seizure of illegal products
- For repeated offences, unlimited fines or even prison sentences of up to 2 years
- Additional cost recovery charges for investigation expenses
Similar penalties will apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with some regional variations in enforcement.
Additional legislative changes to the vaping industry
In addition to the ban on disposable vapes, the government has suggested extra measures to tackle underage vape consumption. This includes making changes to packaging to make it less appealing, reducing the use of flavours and instructing retailers to move the vapes behind the counters to make them less visible. Plus, larger fines for any non-compliant retailers that sell to under-18s have been suggested to stop the supply[7].
We’ve charted the ongoing proposed changes in our Simple Guide to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Keep updated by checking our blog, where we’ll chart any new changes.
The government also announced plans to introduce a new tax on vaping products, which would be based on the nicotine content in vaping liquids, with higher levels incurring higher duties.
The tax was introduced in the March 2024 budget, however it’s still unclear exactly when the tax will be enacted. The initial proposed date was October 2026.
What are the alternatives to single-use vapes?
While the government aims to make vaping less accessible to the underage demographic and introduce stricter regulations on packaging and liquids to make them less appealing, it also recognises vaping as an important tool to help reduce the number of adult smokers. Ensuring vaping devices remain available to current smokers is crucial, as their use contributes to an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 fewer smokers each year. [6].
According to a study conducted by ASH, the main reasons given by ex-smokers were the following:
- 28% reported that vaping had helped them quit smoking entirely
- 21% said it helped them prevent a relapse
- 14% of respondents use vaping to help cope with stress.
- 11% are simply doing it for pleasure.
If you are considering making the life-changing switch from smoking to vaping, VPZ is here for you every step of the way, from the products we offer to our friendly expert advice.
Where to start
For adult vapers transitioning from disposable vapes, we recommend getting a vaping device compatible with nicotine salt liquids. Since disposable vapes are pre-filled with nic salts, switching to a refillable vape with any flavour liquid will provide the same satisfying experience. Our AEQ devices are designed to be perfectly compatible with nic salts and are available as part of our kit deals:
- Comes with the AEQ 2.0 vape and 1 x 10ml e-liquid of your choice for only £13.99.
- Refillable pods need to be replaced every 1-2 weeks, depending on your smoking habits.
- Replacing pods is easy, and they come with a pre-installed coil, so no additional maintenance is needed.
- Designed to go with the S-Elf Juice nic salts e-liquid range.
- Visually resembles many popular disposable devices.
- Comes with the AEQ 2.0 vape and 1 x 10ml e-liquid of your choice for £16.99.
- Just like the AEQ 2.0 device, the AEQ SQRD uses AEQ 2.0 pods.
- Compact design.
- Designed to go with the S-Elf Juice e-liquid range.
- Comes with the AEQ QUB3D vape and 1 x 10ml e-liquid of your choice for £19.99.
- Impressive 1400mAh battery that can last up to 3 days, ideal for frequent vapers.
- Designed to go with the S-Elf Juice e-liquid range.
Pre-filled pod kits are another alternative to disposable vapes. They consist of a rechargeable device that allows you to swap pre-filled disposable pods with ease. Check out the range of pre-filled pod kits.
Which alternative is right for you?
Let's talk about how simple switching to a refillable device actually is. Many vapers worry that moving from disposables to refillable devices will be complicated, but it's much easier than you might think.
In our blog A Beginner's Review of AEQ Pro+ Pod Kit, our reviewer who was switching from disposables was pleasantly surprised at how straightforward the experience was. She said:
"This was the first device I've owned, so I thought setting it up might be hard. But the manual was easy enough to understand, and it was honestly a breeze. You just pop in the pod once you've filled it and activate it by clicking the side button 5 times."
She also highlighted several benefits compared to disposables:
- Better battery life: "I vape quite consistently throughout the day, and I found the AEQ Pro+ really does last 2 full days as claimed in the product description."
- Improved flavour: "VPZ advertise this device as one with rich-flavour delivery, and I absolutely agree. The advanced mesh coils integrated into the AEQ Pro pods enhance the flavour notes, blessing me with that full-bodied taste that I enjoy so much."
- No more dry mouth or sore throat: "One thing I'd say is I am not left with that tickly, sore throat that I'm often left with with disposables, and no more dry mouth!"
- Cost savings: "If you're tired of spending money on disposables (which you'll have to do less of soon anyway with the incoming ban), I highly recommend an uncomplicated pod device like this one."
The reviewer summed up their experience perfectly: "Overall, I'm super happy with this device as my first transition vape from disposables. I definitely wouldn't go back!"
Refillable pod devices are designed with simplicity in mind, making them perfect for former disposable users. Most feature one-button operation or draw activation just like disposables, and they offer the flexibility to change flavours whenever you want - something our reviewer particularly appreciated as "someone who gets bored easily with flavours!"
Don’t forget that when you shop with VPZ you have access to live customer support, in store guidance from our trained team as well as all of our online resources, like our guide on how to vape.
Your favourite disposable flavours in bottle form
One of the biggest worries people have about the disposable vape ban is losing the flavours they love.
The good news is that many disposable vape manufacturers have already bottled the exact same juice found in their disposable devices. And we sell them right here at VPZ.
Take Elfliq for example. These e-liquids contain the identical flavours found in Elf Bar disposables, just in convenient 10ml bottles rather than inside single-use devices. You get the same great taste experience without the environmental impact of throwing away an entire vaping device.
Other popular options include:
- SKE Crystal Vape Juice, which offers the same delicious flavours as SKE Crystal Bar disposables
- Elux Legend Salts, bringing you the intense flavours Elux Legend is known for
These e-liquids are available in the same nicotine strengths as disposables (typically 10mg and 20mg) and use nicotine salts for that smooth throat hit. They're formulated with a 50VG/50PG ratio, making them perfect for the MTL vaping style that most disposable users are accustomed to.
By switching to bottled e-liquids, you're not only preparing for the upcoming UK disposable vape ban but also making a choice that's better for the environment and your wallet. All while enjoying the exact same flavours you've come to love.
Feeling more ready to switch from single-use to a refillable option ahead of the ban? Get started with VPZ.
[1] - https://ash.org.uk/uploads/Use-of-vapes-among-adults-in-Great-Britain-2024.pdf
[3] - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68126584
[4] - https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(24)00091-7/