The UK’s looming disposable vape ban has not reduced vaping prevalence, but merely led consumers to shift to reusable vapes instead. Photo credit: Alexandra Paula, Pexels
As the UK government’s ban on disposable vapes takes effect on 1 June 2025, a comprehensive new study suggests that the policy may succeed in altering product preferences—but not in significantly reducing overall vaping prevalence.
The policy, which aims to curb underage vaping and address environmental waste, has already influenced the marketplace. According to a peer-reviewed study published in Addiction and funded by Cancer Research UK, the announcement of the disposable vape ban in January 2024 led to an immediate and substantial reduction in the use of disposable devices. However, this behavioral change was largely a shift toward reusable products, rather than an exit from vaping altogether.
The study leveraged data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, a cross-sectional population survey conducted across England, Scotland, and Wales. Researchers analyzed responses from over 88,000 participants between January 2022 and January 2025, including nearly 10,000 individuals aged 16–24. Prior to the January 2024 policy announcement, vaping rates had been increasing steadily—by 23.4% annually among adults and 17% among young adults. The use of disposable vapes was particularly prominent, growing by 17.7% annually among adults and stabilizing at high levels among youth.
Following the policy signal, that trend reversed. Disposable vape use dropped by 32.6% among adults and by 44.3% among young adults within a year. Notably, this decline did not coincide with a decrease in overall vaping prevalence; rather, it stabilized. The researchers estimated that by the June 2025 implementation date, roughly one-quarter of adult and young adult vapers will have fully transitioned to reusable devices.
Lead researcher Dr. Sarah Jackson from University College London commented that while the shift away from disposables is a clear regulatory win from an environmental standpoint, its efficacy in reducing overall nicotine consumption remains limited. “It seems likely that people using these products will move to reusable versions rather than stop vaping completely,” she noted.
This has sparked debate among public health advocates and industry stakeholders alike. While environmental goals may be met, the core public health aim of deterring youth nicotine initiation may not be fully realized. The Independent British Vape Trade Association welcomed the shift toward reusable products but warned regulators not to rush into additional restrictions without evaluating the full effect of the current package of measures.
The disposable ban is part of the broader Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which also proposes potential restrictions on flavors, packaging, and product display. The study’s authors caution that overly strict measures may unintentionally discourage smokers from switching to harm-reduced products. “Now that the situation has stabilized, policymakers may be reassured that it would be sensible to avoid stricter policy options currently under review,” said Dr. Jackson.
Analysts already expressed skepticism about the long-term efficacy of the forthcoming measures; in anticipation of the ban, major brands like Elf Bar and Lost Mary have introduced reusable alternatives. These products retain the convenience and flavor profiles of disposables, appealing to existing consumers.
Despite the move towards reusables, environmental advocates question the net benefits. Critics argue that the new devices, while technically refillable, may still contribute to waste due to non-recyclable components and consumer habits favoring disposability. Research indicates inadequate recycling infrastructure and compliance among producers and retailers.
While the industry's rapid innovation showcases adaptability, experts urge a comprehensive approach that includes robust enforcement, public education, and infrastructure development to achieve the ban's intended health and environmental objectives.