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Disposable Vape Ban UK: Essential Information for Vapers
Disposable, or single-use, vaping devices have quickly gained popularity since becoming widely available in the UK in 2021. The popularity of disposable vapes surged dramatically from 2.3% to 31% among current vapers between 2021 and 2023 [1]. These devices are exclusively aimed at adults, particularly as a proven tool for quitting cigarette smoking. However, disposable vapes have unfortunately become widely accessible to the underage population, prompting the government to take stringent measures. We will explain more about the upcoming 2025 ban on disposable vapes and explore what it means for current adult vapers.
Disposable Vapes and Their Popularity in the UK
A disposable vape is a type of e-cigarette that comes pre-filled with e-liquid and is usually activated with a single puff. The vape contains a one-time battery that is not suitable for recharging – 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 available in 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.
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 many vapers choose single-use devices due to their wide availability and ease of use. Among current vapers, 43% mostly use disposable vapes, while 54% mostly use rechargeable vape devices [2].
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.
Environmental Impact
The materials and chemicals, 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. Additionally, 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.
Please note that all VPZ stores have recycling bins available, so anyone can safely dispose of their single-use vaping devices when needed.
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: a few shops across the UK do not perform strict ID checks and, as a result, are selling vapes illegally to children [3]. Some teens purchase large quantities of disposable devices and resell them at their schools, making the devices widely available to the underage demographic. Vapes are discreet, and the vapor smell is much easier to mask than that of cigarette smoke, making it easy for many teens to hide their secret vaping habits from their families.
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]. Additionally, many 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.
When Will Disposable Vapes Be Banned in the UK?
As of today, October 24th, 2024, the Government has confirmed that the ban will take effect on June 1st, 2025. Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to implement similar measures. Retailers, including VPZ, will have until this date to sell remaining stock and prepare for the changes required by the ban.
VPZ 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.
Additional Legislative Changes to the Vaping Industry
The government has suggested additional measures to tackle underage vape consumption, such as 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. Additionally, larger fines for any non-compliant retailers that sell to under-18s have been suggested [7].
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 is yet unclear when exactly the tax will be enacted. The initial proposed date was October 2026.
Vaping 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 AHS, the main reasons given by ex-smokers were the following:
- 28% reported that vaping had helped them quite 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.
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:
AEQ 2.0 Pod Device Kit – Shop Here:
- 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.
AEQ SQRD Pod Device Kit – Shop Here:
- 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.
AEQ QUB3D Pod Device Kit – Shop Here:
- 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 pre-filled pod kits here.
[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/