From 1 June 2025, it will be illegal to sell or supply disposable (single use) vapes across England, Scotland and Wales. NHS South Yorkshire is encouraging people who are using disposable vapes to quit smoking to prepare now, by switching to a reusable device and seeking free stop smoking support from their local stop smoking service.
The ban, introduced under environmental legislation, is designed to cut down on single-use plastic waste and limit underage access to vapes. From 1 June, all vapes sold must be rechargeable and refillable.
Vaping remains one of the most effective tools to help smokers quit. Over half of people who successfully quit smoking in the past five years used a vape to support their quit attempt.
Scott Crosby, Associate Director at the Humber and North Yorkshire Tobacco Control Centre for Excellence, said: "The new rules will help to take millions of single-use plastics out of the environment and reduce youth access to vapes. But this is not a ban on all vapes—adult smokers will still have a full range of effective and affordable options to help them quit tobacco.
"Switching to a refillable device now could save you money within weeks. And a chat with a professional stop smoking adviser can help ensure you're getting the right level of nicotine to quit and making the most of vaping as a quit aid.
"It's important to remember that tobacco—not vaping—is the real killer. Cigarette butts are the most littered item globally, and the poisons they contain, like arsenic and lead, pollute our soil, rivers, and seas, damaging our wildlife."
Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Officer at NHS South Yorkshire said: "This new law is an important step forward for both public health and the environment. It reduces waste and helps prevent children from getting hold of vapes.
"But we must be clear that vaping is a far less harmful alternative for adults trying to quit smoking. Reusable vapes are widely available, and local stop smoking services offer expert advice, support, and even free vape kits to help people quit smoking for good.
"Please remember to safely dispose of single use vapes ahead of the ban at either a vape shop or your local household waste recycling site. They cannot be disposed of in general waste and have caused many fires."
Vapes are available through most stop smoking services as part of the national Swap to Stop initiative, which offers free vape starter kits to eligible smokers.
They are also used in some hospitals and mental health settings to support inpatients to stop smoking. Refillable devices are widely available for less than half the price of a pack of cigarettes.
NHS advice is clear - nicotine vaping is less harmful than smoking as well as one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking. Vaping is not completely risk free and children and non-smokers should never vape.
Find free local support: https://www.yestoquit.co.uk/local-services/
Learn about vaping to quit: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/