Disposable Vape Ban UK: What Are the Alternatives?

As of June 1st, 2025, the UK government has implemented a ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes. This legislation aims to address environmental concerns and the rising use of vapes among young people.

For many vapers, especially those who have relied on the convenience of single-use vapes, this change may seem daunting. However, in preparation for the ban, the vaping industry now offers a range of sustainable and user-friendly alternatives that can provide a seamless transition.

Contents

• What Does the UK Disposable Vape Ban Entail?
• Alternatives of Popular Disposable Vapes
• Elf Bar 600 Disposable Vape Alternatives
• Lost Mary BM600 Disposable Vape Alternatives
• SKE Crystal Bar 600 Alternatives
• IVG 2400 Disposable Vape Alternatives
• Refillable Vape Kits
• Why Switch to a Refillable Vape?
• Top Refillable Vapes to Consider
• Pair with Bar E-liquids
• Summary

What Does the UK Disposable Vape Ban Entail?

Effective June 1st, 2025, it is illegal to sell, supply, or possess for sale any single-use vapes in the UK, including non-nicotine versions. This ban applies to all retailers - both physical and online - as well as healthcare and stop-smoking services.

The ban addresses two primary concerns:

• Environmental Impact: Disposable vapes contribute significantly to electronic waste. In 2023, approximately five million vapes were discarded weekly in the UK, leading to environmental hazards due to improper disposal of lithium batteries and plastics.
• Youth Vaping: The appealing flavours and designs of disposable vapes have led to increased usage among minors. In 2023, 20.5% of children in the UK had tried vaping. As a retailer, we condemn vaping made accessible to minors, hence our astringent age verification process. 

The ban signifies a shift toward more sustainable vaping practices. While disposable vapes offered convenience, their environmental footprint necessitated change. This transition encourages vapers to explore reusable options that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Alternatives of Popular Disposable Vapes

As disposable vapes leave UK shelves, many vapers are now looking for alternatives that offer the same satisfying experience without the environmental cost. Luckily, some of the biggest disposable brands have already adapted - offering reusable options that feel familiar, taste the same, and are simple to use.

Here's a closer look at the best reusable alternatives to some of the UK's most popular disposable vapes:

Elf Bar 600 Disposable Vape Alternatives

If you're a fan of the OG, the Elf Bar disposable vape, the Elf Bar 600 pod kit is the natural next step. The same brand designs the device and features pre-filled Elf Bar 600 pods with the same flavours you know and love - from Watermelon and Blue Razz Lemonade to Cherry Cola and Pink Lemonade. The key difference is that the Elf Bar 600 pod kit is rechargeable and pod-based - so instead of throwing it away when it's empty, you merely charge the battery and replace the pod.

The vapour production, flavour intensity, puff count, and smooth throat hit are virtually identical to the Elf Bar 600 disposable vape, thanks to its use of nicotine salts and a tight mouth-to-lung draw. For a near-seamless transition, this is one of the closest replicas of the disposable vape experience.

Lost Mary BM600 Disposable Vape Alternatives

The Lost Mary BM600 made waves with its distinctive flavour blends and pocket-sized design, and the new BM600 pod kit delivers that same experience in a more sustainable format. The Lost Mary BM600 kit, compatible with Lost Mary BM600 pods, is a closed pod system, meaning it uses pre-filled cartridges that slot into a rechargeable device.

Crucially, the pods are available in the same flavours as the disposable - Pineapple Ice, Blueberry Sour Raspberry, Triple Mango, and more. The draw is just as smooth and flavourful, and the airflow and vapour production feel almost identical. The only real difference is that you'll be saving money (and the environment) by not binning the device after every 600 puffs.

Lost Mary released the BM6000 Big Puff Disposable Vape, which quickly became a fan favourite; however, due to the ban, they had to release a rechargeable and reusable version - the Lost Mary BM6000 Big Puff Pod kit, which is used with Lost Mary BM6000 pods.

SKE Crystal Bar 600 Alternatives

For those who loved the icy fruit blends and sleek aesthetics of the SKE Crystal Bar, the Crystal 600 Pro and Crystal Plus Pod Kit are a perfect fit. Both devices retain the same crystal-like outer shell and stylish finish and use matching pre-filled cartridges, Crystal Plus Pods and Crystal 600 Pro pods, to replicate the same signature flavours - like Kiwi Passionfruit Guava and Blueberry Raspberries.

What makes both the Crystal Plus and Crystal 600 Pro stand out is their ability to deliver the same crisp throat hit and intense flavour found in the original disposables while adding the convenience of USB-C charging and reduced waste. If you're looking for a direct upgrade from Crystal Bar without changing brands or tastes, these devices should be your go-to.

IVG 2400 Disposable Vape Alternatives

The IVG 2400 disposable vape was one of the first few devices that gave us the innovative 4-in-1 technology, which offered a bigger puff count (up to 2400 puffs). You were able to insert four different pod flavours in one kit and switch between them just by twisting the device - once they all ran out, you would simply replace the whole disposable.

To combat the ban, IVG has released the IVG 2400 Pod Kit, a reusable and rechargeable version with the same flavour range. However, this isn't the only device that can be used as an alternative. Compatible with the IVG Pro 12 pods, the IVG Pro 12 Big Puff kit uses a 2ml pre-filled pod and a 10ml e-liquid container that attach and are both inserted into the device, providing up to a whopping 10,000 puffs.

Refillable Vape Kits

While pre-filled kits offer a familiar and convenient swap for disposable vapes, refillable vapes are ideal for vapers looking for greater customisation, more cost savings, and reduced waste in the long term.

Refillable vape kits allow you to fill your e-liquid rather than relying on pre-filled cartridges. These kits typically include a rechargeable battery and a refillable pod or tank, which you top up with nicotine salt or freebase e-liquid of your choice.

This setup may sound more hands-on, but it's still simple: fill the pod, pop it in the device, and you're good to go.

Why Switch to a Refillable Vape?

Unlike disposable or pre-filled pod kits (which are limited to specific pod flavours), refillable kits let you choose from hundreds of different e-liquids - including ranges designed to mimic disposable vape favourites like Blueberry Sour Raspberry, Pink Lemonade, and Triple Mango.

While the upfront cost of a refillable device might be a little higher, the long-term savings are significant. A bottle of e-liquid typically costs more or less the same as a disposable vape and can last several days more than a single-use vape, depending on how often you vape.

By refilling instead of replacing, you dramatically reduce plastic waste. Most refillable vapes also use replaceable coils or pods with built-in coils, so you're not constantly throwing your accessories away.

Top Refillable Vapes to Consider

If you're ready to move beyond the disposable-style experience, here are some of the most popular and most user-friendly refillable vapes available:

• OXVA Xlim Pro 2 - Known for exceptional flavour clarity, leak-resistant technology, and adjustable airflow. Due to its intense flavour and vapour production, the OXVA Xlim Pro 2 performs substantially well when paired with bar e-liquids.
• UWELL Caliburn G4 - Offers a smooth draw and possesses excellent build quality. It features an LED display screen that offers users more customisation options, such as adjustable wattage and power modes.
• Vaporesso XROS 4 Mini - Very beginner-friendly, compact, with long-lasting battery life and USB-C fast charging. The only customisation feature included is an airflow slider, which allows you to finetune your draw. Other than that, the XROS 4 Mini only needs to be filled with e-liquid and inhaled from the mouthpiece to start vaping.
• Geekvape Sonder Q - A top pick for those new to refillable kits who like a sleek design and reliable performance.

Pair with Bar E-liquids

If you still want to replicate the flavour experience of disposable vapes, try pairing your refillable vape with bar e-liquids - nicotine salts with double the concentrates to match the intensity of a single-use vape. Popular brands include:

• Bar Juice 5000
• ELFLIQ by Elf Bar
• Riot BAR EDTN
• GOAT Salts

For more information, read our bar e-liquids guide here.

Summary

Switching from disposable vapes doesn't mean compromising on flavour or convenience. Thanks to reusable pod kits, refillable vapes, and bar e-liquids, it's easier than ever to find a satisfying, eco-conscious alternative to your favourite vape.

By matching your disposable of choice with a compatible system, you can continue your vaping journey - now with lower long-term costs, better flavour control, and less waste. With many brands designing reusable and rechargeable alternatives specifically for former disposable vape users, the switch has never been smoother.