Disposable Vapes Are Banned in the UK: What to Switch to Instead

Since June 2025, single-use disposable vapes have been banned across England, Scotland, and Wales. Vapers who used disposables regularly will have noticed they are no longer on the shelves. For many people, disposables were their first experience of vaping. They were easy to pick up, needed no setup, and came in a wide range of flavors. The ban has left a lot of vapers unsure about what to do next. 

This guide explains why the ban happened, what the main alternatives are, how much they cost, and what vapers can expect when making the switch.

Why Were Disposable Vapes Banned?

The UK government banned single-use disposable vapes for two main reasons.

Environmental damage:

• Each disposable contains a battery, plastic casing, metal coils, and electronic parts
• Very few of these materials could be recycled properly
• Millions of devices were ending up in landfill every week across the UK
• The volume of waste was growing rapidly

Underage vaping:

• Disposables were cheap, colourful, and easy to access
• They became very popular with people under 18
• The ban was intended to reduce underage uptake of nicotine

The ban covers single-use throwaway devices only. Rechargeable vapes are still fully legal and available in the UK.

What Are the Alternatives?

There are four main categories available at Fog Fathers that have replaced single-use disposables.

1. Rechargeable Pre-Filled Kits

Brands include Lost Mary, PIXL, Elux, Firerose, and Bar Juice 5000. Puff counts range from 600 all the way up to 50,000 depending on the device.

Here is how they work:

• A rechargeable device is purchased once
• A pre-filled pod containing e-liquid is inserted
• When the pod runs out, it is swapped for a new one
• The battery recharges via USB

No manual filling is required. The experience is very close to what single-use disposables offered, with the key difference being a rechargeable battery. Flavour options span tobacco, menthol, fruit, and sweet profiles across all major brands.

Best for: Vapers who want the simplest, most familiar transition from single-use disposables.

2. Vape Kits

Brands such as Vaporesso, Oxva, Geekvape, Voopoo, Uwell, and Aspire. These are reusable devices where the e-liquid is filled manually using a separate bottle.

Here is how they work:

• A rechargeable kit is purchased once
• The pod or tank is filled using a bottle of e-liquid
• When empty, it is refilled again
• The coil needs replacing every one to two weeks

These kits give vapers full control over their nicotine strength and access to a much wider range of flavours. A burnt taste is usually a sign that the coil needs replacing. Other than that, day-to-day maintenance is minimal.

Best for: Vapers who want more flavour flexibility and lower long-term running costs.

3. Pods & Refills

For vapers who already have a compatible device, there are a range of pods and refills separately. This includes liquid pods and nicotine boosters for topping up or customising existing setups.

• Compatible with a wide range of devices
• Available in various flavours and nicotine strengths
• Nicotine boosters allow strength to be adjusted in shortfill e-liquids

Best for: Existing device owners looking to restock or adjust their setup.

4. Heated Tobacco

For those who want to move away from vaping entirely, heated tobacco products are good alternative. These include IQOS Iluma devices with Terea tobacco sticks, and Ploom X devices with Evo sticks.

Heated tobacco works differently from vaping:

• Real tobacco is heated rather than burned
• No e-liquid is involved
• The experience is closer to a cigarette than a vape

Best for: Former smokers who prefer a tobacco-based alternative to vaping.

How Do These Compare?

 

What About Nicotine Strength?

Disposables came pre-set at a fixed nicotine strength, usually 20mg. Pre-filled pods work in the same way. Each pod has a set strength, so vapers choose the level that suits them when buying.

With refillable kits, e-liquids are sold in a range of strengths:

• 20mg - Strong, close to what most disposables contained
• 10mg - Medium strength
• 5mg - Low strength
• 0mg - Nicotine free

For vapers looking to reduce their nicotine intake gradually, a refillable kit makes that process easier. The strength can be stepped down at any pace by choosing lower strength e-liquids over time.

Will It Feel the Same?

Pre-filled pod kits are the closest replacement to a disposable. The draw is similar. The size is comparable. Flavour options are on a par.

The main practical differences are:

• The device needs to be charged via USB every day or two
• Only the pod is replaced when empty, not the whole device
• The upfront cost is slightly higher than a single disposable

One thing some vapers notice is that flavour from refillable kits can be stronger and more consistent than disposables. This is because the coil can be chosen to suit a particular vaping style and kept fresh. Disposable flavour would often fade near the end of the device, which is not an issue with pod kits. Refillable kits take a little longer to get used to, mainly because the e-liquid is handled directly. Most vapers feel comfortable with the process within a few uses. There are plenty of beginner-friendly options that keep the setup as simple as possible.

How Much Does It Cost?

Pre-filled pod kit:

• Device: £10 to £20 as a one-off purchase
• Replacement pods: £3 to £6 each
• Estimated monthly cost: £30 to £50 for a regular vaper

Refillable pod kit:

• Device: £15 to £35 as a one-off purchase
• E-liquid (10ml bottle): £2 to £3
• Replacement coils: £2 to £4 every one to two weeks
• Estimated monthly cost: £20 to £35 for a regular vaper

For context, a daily disposable user could spend between £150 and £200 per month. Both rechargeable alternatives are considerably cheaper to maintain over time.

Note: The device itself is a one-time purchase. After that, the only regular cost is pods or e-liquid.

Tips for Making the Switch

• Starting with a pre-filled pod kit offers the most straightforward transition from disposables
• Choosing a nicotine strength close to what was used in a disposable, usually 20mg, helps maintain consistency
• Picking a familiar flavour first makes the change feel more comfortable
• Charging the device overnight keeps it ready throughout the day
• Once settled, a refillable kit offers more flavour choice and lower running costs

Summary

Single-use disposable vapes are no longer available in the UK. The ban came into effect in June 2025 and applies across England, Scotland, and Wales. The main alternatives are pre-filled pod kits, refillable pod kits, and vape pens. Each suits a different type of vaper. Pre-filled pod kits are the simplest transition, working in almost the same way as a disposable with very little to learn. Refillable kits offer more control over flavour and nicotine and lower long-term costs. Both options produce significantly less waste than disposables did.

The switch does take a small adjustment, but most vapers find it straightforward once they have tried their chosen device a few times.At Fog Fathers, the full range of rechargeable vapes is available to browse 

Disclaimer: Vaping products are for adults aged 18 and over. Vaping is not recommended for non-smokers, pregnant women, or people with certain health conditions. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.