The popularity of vapes has skyrocketed in recent years – but the days of picking up a disposable vape from the corner shop are now over. Here’s what you need to know.
A ban on disposable vapes is now in force across the UK.
The ban on selling or supplying disposable vapes, announced in January last year, applies both in shops and online.
Vapes have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, with usage growing by more than 400% between 2012 and 2023, according to the government.
But why is the government cracking down on disposable ones, what are the punishments for continuing to sell them – and could there be wider vape bans in the future?
What exactly is banned?
From June 1, 2025, it is illegal to sell, supply or possess for sale or supply any single-use (disposable) vapes, including non-nicotine versions. This applies to all retailers – including high street shops and online stores – as well as healthcare and stop smoking services.
The ban covers all vapes that are not both rechargeable and refillable. To be legal, vapes must now:
- Have a rechargeable battery
- Be refillable with e-liquid
- Have a replaceable coil or pod
Importantly, this is NOT a ban on all vapes. Reusable products remain available for smoking cessation purposes. Pod or cartridge-based vapes that use pre-filled disposable pods are still allowed, as long as replacement pods are available and sold separately.
Why are disposables being banned?
The government has provided two main reasons for the ban:
Environmental impact
Nearly 5 million single-use vapes are thrown away every week – up from 1.3 million just a year ago, according to Material Focus. These devices:
- Create significant litter on UK streets
- Are difficult and costly to recycle
- Leak harmful chemicals into soil and waterways
- Pose fire risks due to their lithium batteries
- Waste valuable materials that could be recycled
Youth vaping concerns
A quarter of 11-15-year-olds used a vape last year, with disposables being the product of choice for most young vapers. These devices have been particularly appealing to young people due to:
- Cheap prices
- Colorful designs
- Sweet flavors like mint, chocolate, mango and watermelon
- Heavy marketing since their UK introduction in 2021
What are the penalties?
Retailers caught breaking the ban face:
- £200 fine for first-time offenders
- Unlimited fines for repeat offenses
- Up to 2 years in prison for serious violations
- All illegal products will be seized
Trading Standards officers have been given an additional £10 million to enforce the new rules, funding 80 additional apprentice enforcement officers across England’s 136 local Trading Standards offices.
Is the ban already having an effect?
Yes – even before the ban came into force, usage patterns were shifting. According to Action on Smoking and Health:
- Disposable use among all GB vapers fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025
- Among 18-24 year olds, usage dropped from 52% to 40%
However, retailers report many consumers are stockpiling disposables before the ban, with 82% planning to buy supplies and 28% intending to purchase at least six months’ worth.
What are the alternatives?
Vapers have several legal alternatives:
- Refillable pod kits: Compact devices with replaceable pods
- Vape pens: Simple refillable devices ideal for beginners
- Pod mods: More advanced refillable systems
- Nicotine pouches: Tobacco-free alternatives
Most of these alternatives work with nicotine salt e-liquids, which provide a similar experience to disposables but with better long-term value.
Concerns about the ban
Black market fears
Industry experts warn the ban could fuel illegal sales:
- 61% of disposable users say they’d consider buying illicit products
- One in three vaping products sold in the UK may already be illegal
- Between 2022-2024, Trading Standards seized over 6 million illegal vapes
Return to smoking
A government report found 29% of vapers might return to smoking after the ban. This particularly concerns health advocates, as disposables have been popular among disadvantaged groups with higher smoking rates.
Mental health services
Mental health charities have raised concerns that patients who rely on disposables may need additional support transitioning to reusable products, as many inpatient facilities only allow disposable vapes.
What happens to existing stock?
While selling disposables is now illegal, users can continue using any devices they already own. The ban only affects sales and supply, not personal use.
Retailers had until June 1 to clear their stock. Many offered discounts in the weeks leading up to the ban to avoid being left with unsellable products.
What’s next for vaping regulation?
The disposable ban is just the first step in broader tobacco and vaping reforms. The upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill will introduce:
- New taxes on vape e-liquids
- Potential restrictions on flavors and packaging
- Stricter age verification measures
However, campaigns like Haypp’s “No Flavour Ban on Vapes” petition have gained traction, suggesting flavor choices may remain secure for reusable devices.
The bottom line
The disposable vape ban represents a significant shift in UK vaping policy, balancing environmental concerns and youth protection against the needs of adult smokers using vapes to quit. While the ban may reduce waste and youth access, its success will largely depend on effective enforcement and whether users transition to legal alternatives rather than black market products or cigarettes.
As Mary Creagh, Circular Economy Minister, stated: “This is the first step on the road to a circular economy, where we use resources for longer, reduce waste, accelerate the path to net-zero and create thousands of jobs across the country.
