UK Bans Single-Use Vapes to Tackle Nicotine Addiction
On 1 June 2025, the UK government enforced a significant ban on single-use disposable vapes, aiming to curb youth vaping and tackle growing environmental damage.
Why This Ban Matters
Protecting young people: Disposable vapes, often brightly coloured and flavoured, appealed strongly to under-18s. Their availability contributed to soaring rates of youth nicotine use.
Environmental harm: Around 5 million disposable vapes are discarded every week, leaking harmful substances into drains and posing fire risks at recycling sites.
Tougher enforcement: Retailers caught selling these vapes face at least a £200 fine, with repeat defaulters facing unlimited fines or even prison time.
What Are the Risks of Nicotine for Young People?
Nicotine isn't harmless—it’s highly addictive and affects you more as a young person:
Addiction: Nicotine rewires your brain to crave more, leading to irritability, poor concentration, and mood swings.
Brain impact: Teen brains are still developing, especially in areas related to memory and emotion.
Health effects: Vaping can cause a sore throat, coughing, and lung irritation. Some disposable kits have illegal chemicals that may damage the lungs and heart.
Mental health: Nicotine can worsen anxiety or low mood over time and disrupt sleep.
Cost and waste: Cleaning up vape litter costs time and money—for the environment and public services.
What You Can Expect Going Forward
Replacement products remain legal, as long as they are reusable and rechargeable. The ban only applies to single-use devices.
New regulations are on their way through the Tobacco & Vapes Bill. These include restrictions on nicotine pouch flavours, advertising, and where products can be displayed—closing other loopholes that target young people.
Nicotine pouches remain a concern. Though not currently banned, they are being marketed with sweet, candy-like packaging, potentially appealing to children. Trading Standards warns this is the next risk trend.
What This Means for You
If you vape or are thinking about it:
Know your rights: Buying, selling, or using disposable vapes under 18 is illegal.
Understand the damage: Nicotine affects your health and mood now—and in the future.
Get support if needed: Quitting is tough, but help is available. Talk to your HSIS Youth Worker in School or contact ABL for support.