The UK Disposable Vape Ban Is Here – What You Need to Do Next

If you’ve been relying on disposable vapes, you’ve probably already noticed they’re getting harder to find. That’s because the UK disposable vape ban officially came into force on 1st June 2025 and it’s not going away.

Whether you’re frustrated, confused, or just not sure what to do next, this guide will walk you through exactly what the ban means, why it happened, and most importantly what your best options are going forward.

The good news? Switching to a refillable vape kit is easier than you think, and in most cases you’ll end up saving money, getting better flavour, and having a much more satisfying experience overall.

What Is the UK Disposable Vape Ban?

The UK government introduced a ban on the sale and supply of single-use disposable vapes across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The ban came into effect on 1st June 2025, making it illegal for retailers to sell disposable vapes to consumers.

This includes all the big names Elf Bar, Lost Mary, Geek Bar, Crystal Bar, and every other single-use device that you charge once (or don’t charge at all) and throw away when it runs out.

The ban was driven by three main concerns:

• Environmental damage: Millions of disposable vapes were being thrown away every week in the UK, ending up in landfill or littering streets, parks, and beaches. Each device contains a lithium battery, plastic, and electronic components that take decades to break down.
• Youth vaping: Disposable vapes, with their bright colours, sweet flavours, and low price points, became hugely popular with underage users. The government identified them as a key driver of youth vaping rates.
• Fire hazards: Improperly disposed lithium batteries in disposable vapes were causing fires in bin lorries and recycling centres across the country.

Does This Mean You Can’t Vape Anymore?

Absolutely not. The ban only applies to single-use disposable vapes devices that are designed to be thrown away after use.

You can still legally buy and use:

• Refillable vape kits (open pod systems)
• Prefilled pod kits (closed pod systems with replaceable pods)
• Vape mods and tanks
• E-liquids and nicotine salts
• Replacement coils and pods

The vaping industry isn’t going anywhere, it’s simply evolving. And for most vapers, the switch to a refillable or prefilled system is genuinely a step up in every way.

Why Refillable Kits Are Actually Better

We know change can feel like a hassle, but hear us out most vapers who make the switch from disposables to a refillable kit don’t look back.

Here’s why:

You’ll Save a Lot of Money

A disposable vape typically costs between £4–£7 and lasts around 600–800 puffs. If you’re going through one every couple of days, that’s easily £60–£100 a month.

A refillable kit is a one-off purchase starting from as little as £9.99 at Vivo Vape and a 10ml bottle of nicotine salt e-liquid starts from just £1.99. Most vapers find a single bottle lasts 2-4 days. The maths speaks for itself.

The Flavour Is Better

Refillable kits with mesh coil pods deliver noticeably richer, more accurate flavour than disposables. The same flavour profiles you loved in your Elf Bar or Lost Mary? They exist as nic salt e-liquids, and they taste even better in a proper device.

The Battery Lasts Longer

Disposables often die on you mid-day. A quality refillable kit with an 1800mAh battery will comfortably last a full day of regular vaping, and you can charge it overnight ready for the next day.

It’s Better for the Planet

One refillable kit replaces hundreds of disposable devices over its lifetime. Less plastic, less lithium, less waste. It’s a genuinely meaningful switch if you care about your environmental footprint.

What Should You Switch To? Our Top Picks

At Vivo Vape, we’ve made the transition as easy as possible. Every refillable kit comes with a FREE V Salt Nicotine Salt included, so you can start vaping the moment your order arrives.

Here are our top recommendations depending on your budget:

OXVA NeXlim Go Pod Vape Kit

OXVA NeXlim Go Pod Vape Kit

£13.99

Oxva Xlim Go 2 Pod Kit

Oxva Xlim Go 2 Pod Kit

£12.99 Original price was: £12.99.£9.99Current price is: £9.99.

OXVA Xlim Pro 2 DNA Vape Kit

OXVA Xlim Pro 2 DNA Vape Kit

£33.99

Vaporesso Xros 5 Mini Vape Kit

Vaporesso Xros 5 Mini Vape Kit

£16.99

Vaporesso Xros Pro 2 Pod Kit

Vaporesso Xros Pro 2 Pod Kit

£24.99 Original price was: £24.99.£22.99Current price is: £22.99.

What About Your Favourite Disposable Flavours?

This is the question we get asked most “Can I still get the flavours I liked in my Elf Bar or Lost Mary?”

Yes and they taste even better in a refillable kit.

Almost every popular disposable flavour exists as a nicotine salt e-liquid. Brands like Elfbar Elfliq, Lost Mary Maryliq, Bar Juice 5000, Elux Legend Salts, and many more produce nic salt versions of their most popular flavours specifically designed for refillable pod kits.

At Vivo Vape, nic salts start from just £1.99, with deals including 4 for £10 and 10 for £20 across hundreds of flavours.

Shop Nicotine Salt E-Liquids

How to Make the Switch – Step by Step

Making the switch is genuinely simple. Here’s all you need to do:

• Choose your kit – Pick one of the refillable kits above based on your budget
• Choose your nic salt – Match the flavour and nicotine strength you were using in your disposable (10mg or 20mg)
• Fill your pod – Takes about 30 seconds. Most pods have a side or bottom fill port
• Wait 5 minutes – Let the coil prime before your first puff
• Vape as normal – The draw style on MTL kits feels almost identical to a disposable

That’s it. Most people are completely comfortable with their new kit within the first day.