With millions of disposable vapes discarded daily, will this ban truly reduce waste and youth vaping, or will it push users toward unregulated alternatives?
The surge in disposable vapes has been nothing short of explosive. Use of disposable e‐cigarettes in the UK grew rapidly between 2021 and 2022, especially among younger adults, making them a popular alternative for smokers and non-smokers alike.
These devices, marketed with a variety of flavors and sleek designs, have become a quick and easy way for individuals to satisfy their nicotine cravings. The sale of single-use disposable vapes will be banned in England and Wales from 1 June 2025, the government has confirmed.
However, not everyone is cheering the government’s move. For some, the ban on single-use vapes is a harsh blow, especially for local vape shop owners. Many store owners are feeling the heat as the announcement looms closer.
Michael, a vape shop owner in Cardiff, expresses his frustration over the ban having potential impact on his business. “I knew this was coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow,” he says. “Disposables are the bread and butter of my business. People love them because they’re cheap, convenient, and disposable. Now we’re being told to just stop selling them. It feels like a knee-jerk reaction without a real solution.”
However, this booming market is not without its environmental consequences. According to The Guardian, over a million disposable vapes are discarded every day in the UK, contributing significantly to plastic pollution and e-waste.
Claire, a Cardiff resident passionate about sustainability, says, “I see these vapes everywhere, on pavements, in parks, and sometimes even in rivers. It’s horrifying how much waste they create.”
Meanwhile, Jane, another Cardiff resident, frustrated with the litter problem, says, “I walk around town every day, and it’s impossible to ignore the amount of litter from vapes. It’s everywhere. People toss them without a second thought. Honestly, I think it’s about time something was done about it.”
The Welsh Government has been clear about its rationale for the ban. According to the Welsh Minister for Climate Change, “Disposable vapes contribute to significant environmental damage, with plastic and electronic waste piling up in landfills and our streets. This ban is necessary to protect the environment for future generations.”
Local vape business owners in Cardiff preparing for the change and trying to shift to reusable devices. Photo: Unsplash
While the ban is positioned as an essential step to combat the environmental impact of plastic pollution, it’s clear that businesses are deeply concerned.
“There’s no real infrastructure for proper recycling. If the government wants to ban disposables, it has to ensure we have a proper recycling system in place otherwise, what’s the point,” says Ali, a vape shop owner in Cardiff city center.
But it’s not all frustration. Some business owners are already preparing for the change and trying to shift their product lines.
Harry(not his real name due to privacy reasons), who runs a vape store in Cardiff, sees the upcoming ban as an opportunity for the industry to shift towards sustainability. He says, “I’ve been anticipating this for a while. To be honest, I think it’s a good move. Disposable vapes are wasteful, and as a business, we need to focus on sustainability. I’m already transitioning to more eco-friendly options and reusable devices.”
Despite these efforts, the question remains—will it work? Local people in Cardiff have mixed reactions. Some are firmly in support of the move, hoping it will reduce waste, while others are unsure of what the alternative will be.
“It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” says Sophie, an environment enthusiast citizen of Cardiff. We’ve seen other products banned due to their environmental impact, so why should vapes be any different? I’m just worried people will find other ways to waste, like turning to black-market vapes that aren’t even regulated.”
She isn’t the only one concerned. Some local residents fear that the ban could simply drive people to buy illegal products that aren’t subject to the same environmental standards.
“I don’t think banning disposables will stop people from vaping. It’ll just make it harder to get them legally,” says Richards, a local student. “I’ve seen it happen with other banned products—people just go underground. If they really want to stop the environmental damage, they need to think bigger than just banning a product.”
The broader environmental implications of disposable vapes cannot be ignored. In the past two years alone, disposable vape litter has doubled, according to Keep Britain Tidy. This sharp rise in vape waste is not just an eyesore but a real danger to wildlife. Many small creatures mistake the discarded devices for food, leading to potential poisoning or injury.
Mr. Brown(not his real name due to privacy reasons), a wildlife veteran based in Cardiff, has witnessed a rise in cases of animals ingesting discarded vapes. He says, “We’ve seen wildlife rescue centers report an increase in cases where animals have ingested vapes. It’s a huge problem. These devices are made of materials that don’t decompose, and they can harm ecosystems if not disposed of properly.”
While some are concerned about the immediate effects of the ban, others believe this is just the start of a necessary shift towards sustainable consumption. Environmentalists argue that this change will encourage consumers to think more carefully about their purchases and waste.
Keep Wales Tidy, an organization dedicated to environmental conservation, highlights the growing issue of vape litter in Cardiff. They emphasize the urgency of action, stating, “The environmental toll of disposable vapes is clear—streets, beaches, and green spaces in Cardiff are becoming increasingly littered with these items. If we are to protect our environment, it’s vital that we address this growing issue head-on.”
The ban on disposable vapes could also encourage innovation within the vape industry, pushing businesses toward more sustainable alternatives. While reusable devices are seen as the better option for the environment, transitioning consumers to these products remains a challenge.
Another vape shop owner on St. Mary Street, Cardiff, says, “The idea of reusable vapes is great, but most customers aren’t ready to commit to that yet. We need to find a way to make it as easy and affordable as the disposables. Otherwise, people won’t change.”
For many individuals, vaping has become a less harmful alternative to smoking. However, some former smokers worry that banning disposable vapes could make affordable nicotine alternatives harder to access, potentially pushing them back to traditional cigarettes, which have a much greater environmental and health impact.
Jack Miller, a former smoker who now relies on disposable vapes, shares his concerns: “I switched to vaping as a way to stop smoking, and disposable vapes have been an easy solution for me. I don’t know if I’ll be able to find something as convenient and affordable if these are banned. I might just go back to smoking.”
As the ban approaches, both businesses and consumers are preparing for a major shift in the vaping market. While some are optimistic that reusable devices will eventually replace disposable ones, others are uncertain about how these changes will impact the overall vaping culture.
In the coming months, businesses and consumers will have to adjust to a new reality. While some embrace the changes and see it as a necessary step toward sustainability, others are bracing for what could be a difficult transition.
The government’s 1 June 2025 deadline is rapidly approaching, and only time will tell whether the ban will successfully curb the environmental damage caused by disposable vapes or lead to unforeseen complications.
As Cardiff’s streets prepare for a cleaner future, one thing is clear—the fight against disposable plastic is far from over.
“Change is tough,” says Sophie, reflecting on the public’s reaction. “But sometimes we need a little nudge. I just hope people understand why this matters in the long run.”