The UK Disposable Vape Ban: Everything You Need to Know
Feb 19, 2025
With the disposable vape ban in place in the UK from the 1st June 2025, you might be wondering what this means for you and whether there are good vape alternatives out there.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options to help you continue vaping safely and enjoyably. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from why the ban is happening to what devices are still legal and how to find the best reusable vapes for your needs. Plus, insights from Chris Price, E-Commerce Manager at Vape Shop.
Contents
- What are disposable vapes?
- Why are disposable vapes banned in the UK?
- When are disposable vapes being banned?
- What vapes are being banned?
- Are big puff vapes banned?
- What impact will the ban have?
- Best disposable vape alternatives
- How to find the best reusable vape for you
- What are the benefits of reusable vapes?
What are disposable vapes?
Disposable vapes are a lot like they sound — single-use electronic cigarettes that are enjoyed once and then thrown away once the e-liquid inside has been depleted. Many purchase these devices and end up throwing them away that very same day. In fact, research found that five million disposable vapes are thrown away each week in the UK!
Most disposable vape kits consist of a battery, a coil, a pod, a wick, a mouthpiece, and the e-liquid itself, which is stored in the pod.
They’re popular because they’re a cheap and easy option (especially for first-timers). Plus, brands like Elf Bar, SMOK, and Lost Mary are known for offering a wide range of disposable vape flavours.
Why are disposable vapes banned in the UK?
In October 2024, the UK government confirmed it would be banning disposable vapes. Official legislation stated that from the 1st June 2025, vape shops and other retailers won’t be allowed to sell single-use vapes to the public.
According to the government, these regulations are part of a wider plan to reduce waste, tackle pollution, and improve public health.
The main reasons behind the ban include:
- Protecting children and teenagers — The government is particularly concerned about how disposable vapes are marketed. Many come in bright, colourful packaging and offer sweet, fruity flavours, which officials believe are especially appealing to younger people. Research by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that 18% of 11-17-year-olds had tried vaping in 2024, up from 15.8% in 2022. The worry is that this trend could lead to early nicotine addiction and long-term health effects.
- Tackling waste and pollution — Single-use vapes are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfill. They contain lithium batteries — a valuable but limited resource that can be damaging to the environment if not disposed of properly. The ban is designed to reduce this kind of avoidable waste and encourage more sustainable alternatives.
Chris says: “While the disposable vape ban might be frustrating for those who enjoy the convenience of single-use vapes, it will undoubtedly bring some positive changes. And let’s not forget that there are plenty of great alternatives out there, like prefilled pods, that can be just as good, if not better.”
When are disposable vapes being banned?
The UK government’s ban on disposable vapes takes effect from the 1st June 2025. From that date, it’ll be illegal for any retailer (online or in-store) to sell or supply them.
What vapes are being banned?
The ban only covers disposable vapes, which are defined as:
- Non-rechargeable — Those with sealed batteries that can’t be recharged.
- Non-refillable — Either with a sealed tank, pod or an integrated coil that can’t be replaced.
In essence, if a vape can’t be recharged, refilled or have the coils replaced, it’s classed as disposable and banned from sale or supply in the UK.
For example, some popular disposables that are now banned include the Elf Bar 600 and Lost Mary BM600. However, both brands offer reusable versions of these products — the Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit and Lost Mary BM600 Prefilled Pod Kit.
Are big puff vapes banned?
Big puff vapes with rechargeable batteries and refillable pods are still legal to use. However, disposable big puff vapes, including those without nicotine, will no longer be allowed. To keep vaping big puff vapes, you’ll need to move to reusable pod devices.
What impact will the ban have?
There’s growing concern that banning disposable vapes could do more harm than good, particularly when it comes to the UK government’s goal of becoming smoke-free by 2030.
A recent survey by Vape Shop, which polled 750 UK adults aged 18 and over who vape, found that more than 42% would consider going back to smoking if all vapes were banned. And with a new vape tax on the horizon in October 2026, 17% said they’d return to cigarettes as a result of the increased cost.
Although more than half of vapers (52%) have already switched to refillable options, disposables still play a significant role. Nearly half (48%) continue to use them, mainly because of their convenience and wide flavour range. For many, disposables have been the easiest and most accessible alternative to smoking.
This means the ban risks cutting off a crucial quitting aid for a large number of adult vapers, potentially pushing them back to smoking cigarettes. And according to the NHS, while nicotine vaping isn’t completely harmless, it’s a much less dangerous option than smoking. So, removing disposables without providing effective, accessible alternatives could slow progress toward the UK’s smoke-free goals and unintentionally encourage a return to the habit vaping was designed to help people quit.
There’s also concern around unintended consequences. 11% of vapers fear the ban could fuel black-market sales, increasing the risk of unregulated, unsafe products.
Chris commented: “We fully support efforts to reduce youth vaping and protect public health, but these findings show a real risk that, following the disposables ban, we may see thousands pushed back to smoking — the very habit vaping helped them quit. With the 2030 smoke-free ambition, it’s important that policy decisions don’t undermine progress made over the last decade.”
“We urge the government to consider a more balanced approach, such as tighter age verification and packaging controls, rather than removing a tool relied upon by many adults trying to quit smoking.”
Best disposable vape alternatives
Many vapers are concerned about the upcoming disposable vape ban, as it means they will no longer have access to easy-to-use disposable vapes from the 1st of June 2025 onwards. The good news is that the ban doesn’t mean vaping will disappear completely, as there are plenty of excellent alternatives you can use to make switching from disposables super seamless. If you are interested in disposable vape alternatives, you’re in the right place!
Some of the most popular disposable vape alternatives include:
Prefilled pod kits
Chris suggests: “In my opinion, prefilled pod kits are the closest thing to disposables. They’re easy to use, feel really similar, and plenty of brands you know offer them, including Lost Mary and Elf Bar.”
“These kits come with prefilled pods already, but unlike disposables, they’re replaceable, so once the e-liquid runs out, you simply swap in a new pod. Plus, the device itself is rechargeable, so you just charge it up when the battery runs low.”
You still get a wide variety of flavours and nicotine strengths, much like disposables. Some brands, like Elf Bar, even offer pods in the same flavours as their disposable vapes, making the switch even easier.
Read our guide on the best pod kits to find out more.
Refillable pod kits
Another solid alternative to disposables is a refillable pod kit. Instead of replacing the whole pod, you just top it up with your own e-liquid when it runs low. They take a little more effort than disposables or prefilled kits, but they’re more cost-effective in the long run.
One of the best things about refillable kits is the flexibility. They’re easy to customise to suit your style, whether you’re into sweet flavours or want a device with a longer battery life. Popular options include the ELF Bar ELFA, Vaporesso XROS Mini, and Oxva Xlim Pro 2.
You’ll still find a huge range of flavours and nicotine strengths to choose from, just like with disposables. Some brands, like Elf Bar, even offer matching e-liquid flavours. Their Elfliq range is designed to give you the same taste as their disposable vapes, but in a refillable e-liquid format. Perfect if you want to switch without missing your go-to flavours.
Vape pens
Vape pens are a slim, simple option that sit nicely between disposables and more advanced vape kits. They’re often shaped like a pen (hence the name!) and are great for those who want something easy to use and discreet.
They usually have fewer settings, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting power levels or airflow — just fill, charge, and vape.
They’re a popular choice for beginners and casual vapers, especially if you're after a device that’s portable and fuss-free, but still gives you access to a wide range of flavours and nicotine strengths.
Take a look at our guide on the best vape pens to find the perfect one for you.
Sub-ohm vape kits
VooPoo Vinci Spark 100 Vape Kit
If you're into bigger clouds and more intense flavour, sub-ohm kits could be a great fit. These vapes use low-resistance coils (below 1 ohm) to heat up e-liquid quickly, delivering a stronger hit and a more powerful vaping experience.
They're ideal for more experienced vapers who want a bit more control. Many let you adjust settings like airflow and wattage to customise your vape. Just keep in mind that sub-ohm kits require more upkeep than pod kits, so they're better suited to those comfortable with a bit of maintenance.
Advanced vape mods
Vape mods are for vapers with a little more experience. These advanced devices provide complete control over your vape, letting you tweak things like wattage, temperature, and airflow, so you can really fine-tune your experience.
They’re a popular choice for more experienced vapers, but if you’re just making the switch from disposables, you might find prefilled or refillable pod kits a simpler place to start. Once you're comfortable, moving on to a vape mod can be a great way to explore more advanced features and make your vape truly your own.
How to find the best reusable vape for you
Making the switch from disposable vapes can feel like a big step, but with the right information, it’s actually pretty simple. The key is to match your new vape to your existing habits, so the transition feels easy and natural.
Consider your vaping preferences
Chris says: “When choosing a vape, think about your vaping habits. If you’re a casual vaper, or just want something simple, I’d go for a prefilled pod kit — they’re fuss-free, easy to use, and feel pretty similar to a disposable.”
“If you’re vaping to stop smoking, a mouth-to-lung device like a prefilled or refillable pod kit is a great choice, since it mimics the feel of smoking a cigarette.”
“But if you’re more into big clouds and strong flavours, you might prefer a sub-ohm vape or a vape mod. Just keep in mind, those are better for experienced vapers as they take a bit more setting up.”
Think about your budget
If budget is your main concern, refillable pod kits are usually the most cost-effective option in the long run. They might need a bit more effort upfront, like buying e-liquid separately and refilling the pods yourself, but you’ll save money compared to constantly replacing disposables or prefilled pods.
To put it into perspective, the popular Elf Bar 600 V2 disposable vape costs around 66p per 100 puffs. In comparison, the Elf Bar Elfa Pro refillable pod kit, which has an initial cost of £4.99, works out at just 45p per 100 puffs when you replace the pods. That’s around 32% cheaper per puff than the disposable option.
Choose based on popular brands
When you’re switching, it’s a good idea to choose a reliable, well-known brand, especially if you liked their disposable vapes. For example, if you were a fan of Elf Bar disposables, their Elfa pod kit might be a great starting point. Sticking with familiar brands can make the move to reusables feel a lot more seamless.
The same goes for e-liquid. Choosing a reputable brand helps make sure you’re getting high-quality flavour and performance. Many brands now offer e-liquid in the same flavours as their disposables, so you don’t have to miss your favourites.
Start with a beginner kit
“If you’re just starting out, avoid jumping straight into complex devices like vape mods,” recommends Chris. “Instead, go for something easy to use, like a prefilled pod kit or a refillable pod vape with simple controls. These are designed to be fuss-free and are perfect for beginners. Once you’re more confident, you can always upgrade later.”
To find out more, read our guide on the top vapes for beginners.
Look at nicotine strength
“Nicotine strength plays a big role in how satisfied you’ll feel when switching to a reusable vape,” says Chris. “Most disposable vapes contain 20mg of nicotine, usually in the form of nicotine salts, which are smoother on the throat and hit faster.”
“To make the switch, look for a refillable or prefilled pod kit that’s compatible with 20mg nic salt e-liquids. Keeping the nicotine strength consistent makes the transition much easier.”
To learn more, read our guide on what are nic salts.
Consider portability
Are you often on the go? Then, choosing a compact, lightweight vape is key. Pod kits and vape pens are typically compact and slim, making them great for travel. They’re easy to slip into your pocket or bag.
Think about maintenance
Chris adds: “Another thing to consider is how much effort you want to put into upkeep. If you don’t want to worry about coils, cleaning, or refilling e-liquid, prefilled pod kits are definitely the way to go. But if you don’t mind a bit more effort, refillable pod kits give you more control and save money over time.”
What are the benefits of reusable vapes?
Chris says: “Although disposable vapes are convenient, with a low upfront cost and an easy way to stop smoking cigarettes, they’re not cost-effective in the long run. They also contribute heavily to environmental waste and offer no room for personalisation. With the ban, you won’t be able to buy one in the UK even if you wanted to.”
Thankfully, refillable vapes are a great choice, and here are just some of the reasons why:
1. Cost savings
One of the biggest advantages of switching to a refillable vape is the amount of money you’ll save.
Let’s take a popular disposable brand like Lost Mary. A single Lost Mary typically costs around £5.50. If you go through five per week, that adds up to £27.50 weekly, £119.20 monthly, and a hefty £1,430 per year — just on disposables!
Now compare that to a refillable pod kit setup. A 10ml bottle of nic salt e-liquid costs around £4 and offers roughly the same number of puffs as five disposables. Enough for most moderate vapers to get through a week.
A pack of two replacement pods typically costs around £6, with each pod lasting up to ten days, and a one-time device cost for a pod kit is about £15. Over the course of a year, that breaks down to approximately £208 on e-liquid, £156 on replacement pods and £15 on the device. That’s a total of around £379 per year — a saving of over £1,000 compared to disposables!
2. Sustainability
One of the biggest downsides to disposable vapes is that they are not good for the environment, primarily due to the electronic and plastic waste. Disposable vapes are designed to be used for just a short period of time. After that, they get thrown away and often end up in landfill, which is terrible for the environment. Not to mention the manufacturing impact on Co2 production. For those who are eco-aware, a reusable vape makes a lot more sense.
3. More diverse e-liquid option
While disposable vapes offer some variety, you’ll never find as many flavour variations as you would with separate e-liquids. When purchasing e-liquids, you can choose from so many different flavours, from succulent desserts to tangy berries to exciting drinks!
There are endless options, and many vapers even enjoy mixing some of these e-liquids to create something unique. Disposable vape flavours simply cannot compete.
4. More customisation
When you purchase a disposable vape, you get what you’re given, and there’s no room for customisation. This is a major downside for some vapers, as they like to adjust their vapes to suit their preferences, whether that means increasing the airflow or mixing two separate e-liquids to create their ideal flavour.
5. Longer lasting
One of the biggest drawbacks of disposable vapes is how quickly they run out. Most offer just 500 to 600 puffs, which means they often only last a couple of days, depending on how much you vape. That leads to frequent repurchasing, and it adds up fast.
Refillable vape kits, on the other hand, are designed to last much longer. The device itself is reusable, so once you’ve bought it, you just need to replace the e-liquid or pods. That means fewer trips to the shop, less plastic waste, and a more convenient vaping experience overall.
Make the seamless switch to refillables with Vape Shop
The 2025 UK ban on disposable vapes has shaken up the vaping industry. Although it potentially means less environmental waste and fewer kids vaping, it can be worrying for those who have gotten used to disposable vapes, as changing a habit can be quite stressful.
The good news is that reusable vapes are as easy to adapt to as ever. From easy-to-use prefilled pod kits to advanced sub-ohm powerhouses that offer an abundance of intuitive options and cutting-edge features, there is a vape device to match every mood and preference. We also have a variety of exciting e-liquids coming in many flavours to tempt your tastebuds.
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