The popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, or vapes, has seen a notable decline ahead of the UK’s anticipated ban on their sale, set to take effect on June 1.
A recent study from University College London (UCL) suggests that many vape users are already switching to refillable, rechargeable vapes in anticipation of the new regulation.
According to UCL’s research, the percentage of people aged 16-24 who primarily use disposable vapes has fallen dramatically in the past year, dropping from 63% to 35%.
This shift comes after the government announced the ban, which aims to address environmental concerns related to vaping waste, as well as rising youth vaping rates.
The study, which used data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, collected responses from 88,611 people aged 16 and over across England, Wales, and Scotland.
It shows that overall vaping rates have stalled between January 2024 and January 2025, following several years of significant growth in usage.
The ban on disposable vapes has been introduced with two main objectives: to curb the growing litter problem associated with single-use vapes and to combat the increasing number of young people taking up vaping.
Disposable vapes are notorious for contributing to environmental pollution, as they cannot typically be recycled and often end up in landfills.
The research indicates that while the number of people using disposable e-cigarettes has dropped, those who continue to vape are largely switching to refillable devices, which can be recharged and refilled with vape liquid.
These devices tend to have a longer lifespan and are considered a more sustainable, cost-effective option for long-term use.
Dr. Sarah Jackson, lead author of the study from UCL’s Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, stated that the switch from disposable to reusable vapes reflects a common pattern in behavior change before policy enforcement.
“We often see people adjust their habits in response to impending changes in policy,” she explained. “More people are turning to refillable, reusable devices rather than quitting vaping altogether.”
Although the ban is set to affect the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, manufacturers have already responded by introducing rechargeable versions of popular disposable models.
These new products are designed to mirror the design, colors, flavors, and price points of the disposables, making it easier for consumers to transition to more sustainable alternatives.
Despite the apparent decline in disposable vape use, Dr. Jackson cautioned that it is too early to assess whether the government’s strategy will effectively deter young people from vaping.
She highlighted that while reducing youth vaping is a critical concern, health policymakers must also be mindful of the role that vaping plays in helping adults quit smoking.
“The key public health priority here does remain smoking, which is far more harmful and kills a lot of people every year,” she said. “Any measures to reduce youth vaping must not discourage adults from using vapes as a tool to quit smoking.”
As the ban approaches, the UK faces a balancing act between curbing youth vaping and maintaining access to safer alternatives for those trying to quit smoking. Whether the shift towards refillable vapes will address these concerns remains to be seen.
