If you vape in the UK, you’ve probably heard the big news by now: as of June 2025, single-use disposable vapes are officially banned. It’s a huge change that’s sparked plenty of debate, concern, and confusion — not just among disposable users, but also among people who vape with refillable pod kits and nicotine salts.
So, what exactly has changed, and why should pod vapers even care? Let’s break it down in plain language.
What exactly has been banned?
The new law targets single-use disposable vapes — those small, sealed devices you buy pre-filled with E-liquid and throw away after a few hundred puffs. Both nicotine and nicotine-free disposables are included in the ban.
The aim? To tackle rising youth vaping rates and reduce the millions of plastic and lithium battery devices ending up in landfill each month.
Importantly, this ban doesn’t touch refillable pod systems, pre-filled pod kits, or bottled E-liquids (including Nicotine Salts). As long as products stay within the existing Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) rules — like the 10ml bottle size and maximum 20mg/ml nicotine strength — they remain perfectly legal to buy and use.
Why should pod vapers care?
At first glance, it might seem like pod vapers are in the clear. After all, if you’re already using a refillable kit or a pre-filled pod system, nothing has been directly outlawed. But the reality is a bit more complicated.
For starters, many of the bold, disposable style flavours people love — think “Blueberry Sour Raspberry” or “Fizzy Cherry” — were originally developed for disposable products. Without the disposable market driving demand, some brands might cut back on these fun flavours or shift them only into limited pod ranges.
Then there’s the issue of price and availability. With millions of disposable users suddenly looking for alternatives, demand for pod kits and bottled Nic Salts is expected to rise sharply. Higher demand could mean higher prices, at least temporarily. And retailers might prioritise fast-moving pod products over slower-selling E-liquids.
Finally, the new laws also tighten retail rules. Shops and online stores now face stricter age verification requirements and more oversight. While that’s good news for keeping products out of underage hands, it could mean extra steps when buying online, like ID checks on delivery.
What are the best alternatives to disposables?
If you’re among the many vapers who liked disposables for their strong flavour, smooth throat hit and sheer convenience, don’t worry — you still have great options.
One route is switching to refillable pod kits. These are small, lightweight devices you fill yourself with bottled Nicotine Salt E-liquid. Thanks to modern mesh coils and clever airflow design, they can deliver a satisfying vape that rivals disposables. Plus, they’re much cheaper over time and generate far less waste.
The other option is pre-filled pod systems. These work similarly to disposables in that you don’t have to mess around with refilling or changing coils. Instead, you just pop in a sealed pod — which comes already filled with E-liquid — and vape away. Popular choices include the Elf Bar ELFA, Pyne Pod Click and Pod Salt Pyne Pod 2 in ONE. They still give you that hassle-free experience, but because you keep the rechargeable battery part, they’re not classed as single use and remain legal.
The good news is that many manufacturers now offer “disposable style” Nic Salts in bottled form – often called Bar Juice, designed to mimic the bold fruity and icy flavours people loved in disposables. So even with the ban, you can keep the taste you enjoy.
Tips to make the switch easier
If you’re moving from disposables to pod vaping, the first step is choosing the right nicotine strength. Most disposable vapes were filled with 20mg nicotine salts, so starting with the same strength in bottled Nic Salts or pre-filled pods will likely give you a similar hit and help keep cravings under control.
Flavour is also key. Look for bottled E-liquids specifically marketed as “bar salt” or “disposable style.” These are made to match the sweet, punchy flavours popular in disposables, so you don’t feel you’re missing out. For Pod Salt, our Nexus range developed before the fall of disposables, already wowed vapers with its punchy, super sweet flavours.
And finally, stick to TRPR-compliant products from reputable UK retailers. That means 10ml bottles with child-proof caps, proper warnings and clear labelling — not oversized bottles or mystery imports.
What’s next for pod vaping in the UK?
The disposable ban marks a big shift, but it doesn’t mean the end of vaping. If anything, it’s likely to spark more innovation in pod kits, flavours and refill systems.
Manufacturers are already focusing on devices that balance convenience with sustainability, like larger capacity refillable pods, longer-lasting coils and more eco friendly packaging.
In the long run, switching to pods could save you money, reduce waste and even offer a better vaping experience. And with the huge choice of devices and E-liquids now on the UK market, you might find you prefer pods to disposables after all.
