If you've been using disposable vapes, you've probably already noticed they've disappeared from shelves. Since June 2025, single-use disposable vapes have been banned across the UK — and if you're not sure what to do next, you're in exactly the right place.

The good news? Switching to a rechargeable pod kit is easier than you think, it's better for your wallet, and the flavours you already love are still available. This guide will walk you through everything — clearly, honestly, and without the jargon.

Why Were Disposable Vapes Banned?

Disposable vapes became enormously popular — and for good reason. They were cheap, convenient, and easy to use. But they came with serious problems that eventually led the UK government to act.

Environmental Damage

Each disposable vape contains a small lithium-ion battery, a plastic casing, and an electronic coil. In 2023 alone, an estimated 5 million disposable vapes were thrown away every week in the UK. That's millions of non-recyclable batteries ending up in landfill, and lithium fires in waste facilities becoming a growing safety crisis.

Youth Vaping

The low price point and candy-like branding of disposable vapes made them particularly attractive to underage users. Studies found a sharp rise in teen vaping, prompting the government to take action through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill — which received Royal Assent in May 2026 — bringing stricter controls on the entire vaping industry.

Cost to Consumers

A regular disposable user typically replaces their device every one to two days. At £4–£5 per device, that's up to £60 a month — money that simply evaporates. Reusable pod kits dramatically cut that cost once the initial device is purchased.

What Are the Alternatives? A Plain-English Breakdown

The vaping industry moved quickly to create products that give you the same experience as a disposable — the same flavours, the same ease of use, the same nicotine hit — but in a reusable format. There are broadly two types:

For most people coming from disposables, a prefilled pod kit is the most natural first step. It works almost identically to a disposable — you just swap the pod instead of throwing the whole device away. Once you're comfortable, many vapers move to a refillable kit for even better value.

How to Make the Switch in 5 Simple Steps

• 1

  Work out your current nicotine strength

  Most disposable vapes used 20mg nicotine salt. If you were a regular disposable user, start with a 20mg nic salt in your new device. If you only vaped occasionally, 10mg may be sufficient.

• 2

  Choose a device: prefilled or refillable?

  New to all of this? Go prefilled — it's the closest experience to what you already know. If you want maximum flavour variety and the lowest long-term cost, go refillable with a starter kit like the Vaporesso XROS or Aspire Flexus Q.

• 3

  Find your flavour equivalent

  The brands you loved in disposable form — Elf Bar, Lost Mary, SKE Crystal — all make the same flavours as nic salts and prefilled pods. Elfliq by Elf Bar, Elux Legend nic salts, and Bar Juice 5000 are all direct matches. The taste is identical.

• 4

  Charge before first use

  Unlike disposables, your new kit needs a full charge before the first puff. Most devices charge via USB-C and are ready in 45–60 minutes. A well-charged device will last you a full day of normal use.

• 5

  Stock up with a multi-buy deal

  Once you've found your flavour, buy in bulk. At IMMYZ, our 4 for £9.99 nic salt deal means you're paying £2.50 per 10ml bottle — that's up to 3,000 puffs per bottle for less than the price of a single disposable.

Best Starter Pod Kits at IMMYZ

Here are the pod kits we recommend most often in-store and online for vapers making the switch:

The Real Cost of Switching — Honestly

Let's be straightforward about what switching actually costs, and what it saves.

A refillable kit plus nic salts bought on our 4-for-£9.99 deal can bring your monthly spend to under £20 — saving you over £500 a year compared to disposables.

What's Still Legal? The UK Vaping Rules in Plain English

Vaping is still perfectly legal in the UK for adults. The rules that apply to everything sold at IMMYZ are:

• ✓

  You must be 18 or over

  All vaping products in the UK are age-restricted. IMMYZ verifies age on all orders and in-store.

• ✓

  E-liquid pods are capped at 2ml, max 20mg nicotine

  All products at IMMYZ are TPD compliant — 2ml per pod, max 20mg/ml nicotine strength. This is the UK legal standard.

• ✓

  Shortfill bottles (0mg) can be larger

  Nicotine-free e-liquids (shortfills) are available in 50ml, 100ml and larger. A nicotine shot can be added to bring them to your desired strength.

• ✗

  Single-use disposable vapes are banned

  As of 1 June 2025, it is illegal to sell or supply single-use disposable vapes in the UK. Any retailer still selling them is breaking the law.

Frequently Asked Questions