New research released today (7 August) from vape brand Elfbar has shown the majority of regular vapers in the UK are now using reusable devices, following the disposables ban earlier this year.
The figure represents 6,000 Elfbar and Lost Mary users who were surveyed, with 84% of these now buying refills. It also reveals over three-quarters (77%) of those using reusable vapes know used pods and depleted devices should not be discarded in a normal waste bin
However, it seems misconceptions about the risks of vaping itself are increasing, with 51% of adults incorrectly believing vaping is as, or more, harmful than smoking.
In fact, one in four (26%) single-use vapers have turned to illegal vapes, have started smoking more or even returned to tobacco following the ban. More worrying still, one in five (22%) respondents say they are aware of illegal vapes being sold in their area, suggesting an increase following the ban, rising from a figure of 19% in December 2024.
The survey, conducted by Opinium in July 2025, is the latest in a series of ongoing studies since June 2023 that examine smoker behaviour and public attitudes to vaping-related issues.
The findings ”reinforce vaping’s crucial role in helping smokers quit and signal consumer calls for better recycling access,” Elfbar says. They also highlight ongoing challenges, including the thriving illicit market and growing public misconceptions about vaping that are deterring smokers from switching.
The findings include the encouraging news that awareness of responsible disposal is high, with 77% of reusable users recognising that used pods and devices should not be thrown in a normal waste bin. An impressive 37% of respondents saying they collect used devices and pods to return to a recycling point, with 23% returning used items to locations that accept vape waste and 16% taking them back to the store where they shop.
However, 18% of those asked still admit to throwing vapes away in household bins, while another 18% use public bins, while 12% say they have tried to return used items to the retailer they bought them from but found no in-store bin available.
While there are over 10,000 vape recycling points across the UK and mandatory take-back obligations for retailers, many of those surveyed feel access remains inadequate. Over half (52%) would like to see more collection points in accessible locations, and 49% want all retailers to provide in-store bins.
Eve Peters (left), director of government affairs for Elfbar in the UK, said: “It’s encouraging to see a positive transition to reusable devices in a short space of time, along with evidence that many consumers are purchasing refills and demonstrating awareness around responsible waste disposal.
“However, the findings also spotlight challenges that need to be addressed, including the prevalent illicit market and increasingly negative public perception of vaping, particularly among adult smokers.
“This is why we support a licensing scheme for vape retailers, which we believe should include mandatory in-store takeback services as a condition. We are also calling for a national anti-illicit trade strategy and a ban on the import of single-use vapes.”
No comments yet