Tackling Vape Waste Reduction Whilst Ensuring Adult Access to the Safer Alternatives
Balancing vaping’s role in harm reduction with urgent environmental action is crucial to prevent quit aids from becoming long-term pollution sources.
The current global wave of bans on single-use vapes has two clear objectives: to reduce youth vaping while preserving vaping’s vital role as a tool for smoking cessation, and to curb environmental harm by encouraging a transition to reusable products. Yet while such policies mark a significant shift in regulation, their impact has been less immediate. Early evidence suggests that the habits and market ldynamics surrounding vaping have not yet adjusted to the new vape regulations.
In the UK, a Financial Times investigation found that many of the reusable vapes on the market, now available bear a striking resemblance to their banned disposable predecessors in both design and flavour profiles. This outcome reflects predictions by countless THR advocacy groups. Nicotine testing and regulatory consultancy Broughton, recently anticipated that manufacturers would pivot towards pod-based systems but retain much of the appeal that made disposables so popular. Notably, packaging styles have seen little change, despite long-standing calls for more neutral, less youth-oriented designs.
In fact, pod-based systems such as Juul’s, which dominated before the disposable boom, appear well-positioned for a comeback. Established brands such as Elf Bar and BAT already have reusable offerings in their portfolios, and if adoption increases, the environmental benefits could be significant—extending the lifespan of metals, electronics, and other valuable materials. However, if these products continue to mimic the bright colours and flavour profiles of disposables, regulators may need to intervene again, even as the government continues to recognise vaping’s role in harm reduction.
The need to change the current “use and discard” culture
One emerging concern is that retailers are selling far more reusable devices, than the refill cartridges of these actual devices (which are intended to make them sustainable). This imbalance suggests that many consumers may still be discarding devices prematurely, undermining the environmental aims of the legislation. While some of this may be explained by early-stage supply and distribution challenges, it also points to a persistent “disposable mindset.” The inclusion of USB charging ports in new devices technically complies with the law but does little to discourage single-use behaviours.
The problem is compounded by ongoing non-compliance by retailers: around one-third were found to still be selling, and in some cases prominently displaying, illegal disposable vapes. While specialist vape shops report an uptick in reusable product sales, likely reflecting their better preparation for the change, the wider retail market has been slower to adapt.
Globally, the question of vape waste has been gaining attention from public health advocates. The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) warns that the growing accumulation of discarded vaping products poses a real environmental threat, especially in countries like the Philippines, which is now one of Southeast Asia’s largest producers of e-waste. Improper disposal of devices allows hazardous materials—such as lithium from batteries and nicotine residues—to leach into soil and water, creating long-term ecological risks.
THR groups have consistently stressed that harm reduction should not come at the expense of the planet. Manufacturers are being urged take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products by designing for longevity, repairability, and recyclability. Suggested innovations include modular builds with replaceable batteries, biodegradable materials, and strong take-back programmes. New Zealand’s VapeCycle initiative is cited as a leading example of how extended producer responsibility can work in practice, ensuring devices are collected and processed rather than left to pollute landfills.
Partnerships with recycling companies and the adoption of sustainable materials could help transform the environmental footprint of vaping. CAPHRA encourages governments worldwide to work alongside the industry by introducing policies such as tax incentives for eco-friendly innovations and mandatory recycling standards. Such approaches could reduce waste while supporting public health objectives.
Manufacturers to be held accountable
In the UK, the government is moving in this direction with broader reforms targeting the “throwaway culture.” New rules will require vape sellers to cover the costs of collecting and recycling their products under a “polluter pays” principle. This policy will also extend to online sellers of other electrical goods, closing loopholes that currently allow overseas vendors to avoid recycling costs, and creating a fairer competitive environment. Companies like Amazon will be required to register with the Environment Agency, report sales data for overseas suppliers, and pay fees proportionate to the waste their products generate.
A new product category for vapes will ensure recycling costs are specifically attributed to their producers. According to Material Focus, the rare earth materials discarded from vapes in just the past three years could have powered more than 16,000 electric vehicles. Ministers hope the changes will stimulate investment in recycling infrastructure, cut down on littering and illegal dumping, and push manufacturers towards more sustainable design.
Industry reaction has been broadly positive, with retailers like Currys praising the reforms for ensuring all sellers share responsibility for electronic waste. The government believes that by enforcing producer responsibility and setting clear targets, these measures will accelerate the UK’s transition to a circular economy—keeping products and materials in use for longer and reducing the environmental costs of modern consumer goods.
Can We Protect the Planet and Smokers’ Health?
For harm reduction advocates, the key challenge lies in balancing these environmental protections with continued access to vaping products for adult smokers. The evidence is clear: vaping remains one of the most effective alternatives for those seeking to quit combustible tobacco. Policies that inadvertently make these products less accessible or appealing to adults could risk pushing some back to smoking, negating the public health gains made over the past decade.
The path forward will require careful coordination between policymakers, public health experts, environmental advocates, and the vaping industry. By designing products that are both effective harm reduction tools and environmentally responsible, the sector can address legitimate waste concerns without sacrificing the lifesaving potential of vaping for adult smokers. Achieving this balance will not only protect the environment but also ensure vaping remains a credible, accessible, and sustainable alternative to cigarettes.