Vapes redesigned to avoid ban may increase waste, experts say

Vape products redesigned to avoid a legislative crackdown on single-use devices may do little to dent the environmental scourge of e-cigarette waste, experts have warned.

- Sarah Marsh

Manufacturers have been evolving their products as the UK government ban on disposables is due to come into force in April 2025.

Yesterday, the British Medical Association said vapes should only be sold behind the counter and recommended more regulations, including a ban on the sale of disposable vapes.

A disposable vape is designed for single use and is not refillable or rechargeable, and 5m are thrown away each week. The ban was meant to reduce that environmental impact.

Elfbar and Lost Mary, sister brands that together make up more than half of the UK's disposable vape sales, have launched reusable versions.

These newer vapes have a liquid containing nicotine in a replaceable pod and a USB port to recharge the battery. The "big puff” also has a recyclable battery and contains four recyclable pods of vape liquid.

Critics have said the newer products could lead to more pod waste, even if they reduce battery waste.