While we try to keep things light here at The Vaping Lodge, we’re noticing a real problem with the direction that the vaping market is going in at the moment.
We’ve come a long way since the days of ego batteries and string-wick clearomisers. It’s easier than ever before to buy a vape that will satisfy your nicotine cravings while also providing excellent flavour from your e-liquids, with shops like ours to cater to any vaper’s needs. The result? More smokers are making the switch than ever before.
This is great, and we will always advocate for vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking, but there is a dark side to vaping in 2023. Disposables.
According to research from the UK Government, 15.2% of vapers in the UK were using disposable devices in 2022. This was up from 2.2% in 2021, and this number seems set to only increase.
But what is wrong with disposable vape devices? And what alternatives do you have?
The Environmental Impact of Disposable Vapes
There are a lot of problems with the disposable vape market, but the environment is one of the most glaring. Pollution, climate change, and resource depletion; these are all things that disposables are responsible for contributing towards.
It is estimated that 168 million disposable vapes are being sold in the UK each year. The vast majority of these devices end up in landfill sites, rather than being recycled, and this is drastically increasing global e-waste production. Something that was already a big problem.
Disposable Vapes and Climate Change
168 million disposables is a lot to produce each year, and that number only covers the market in the UK. When compared with a permanent device, like a pod system that can last for more than a year, disposables have an incredibly high carbon footprint.
This isn’t something we want to harp on about, as we understand that people have mixed opinions about climate change. It’s important to consider this aspect when weighing up the pros and cons of disposable vapes, though.
Disposable Vapes and Pollution
Only about 30% of the disposable vapes in the UK end up getting recycled. Some end up in landfill sites, and others end up being left on the ground. As long as they are not recycled or contained properly, disposable vapes have the potential to cause devastating pollution.
This can kill animals, pollute water sources, and harm other habitats that humans, animals, and plants rely on. While this isn’t currently causing a significant problem, it will only worsen if the vaping market continues to trend toward disposable devices.
Disposable Vapes and Resource Depletion
Most of the rechargeable batteries found in vapes are lithium-based. There is an estimated 88 million tonnes of lithium on Earth, making it crucial that lithium is recycled and reused as much as possible.
We are far from entirely depleting Earth’s supply of lithium, but this isn’t the only material found in disposable vapes that ultimately gets wasted. Unless far more of the world’s disposables are recycled, this type of product will always be far more damaging than a permanent device.
As a side note, lithium is also quite a dangerous substance, and batteries are also dangerous when handled incorrectly. Batteries can swell when they get too hot, eventually bursting and venting the gasses inside. This is made worse by the fact that lithium reacts violently with water.
Children and Teenagers Using Disposable Vapes
The environment isn’t the only problem with disposable vapes, with many schools and parents realising that children are being drawn to this type of product. In 2022, the UK government found that as many as 52% of kids between the ages of 11 and 17 would admit to using a disposable vape at some point in their lives.
This is a lot higher than the number of children who are smoking in 2023, with disposable vapes proving very attractive to young people. It is good that kids are vaping rather than smoking, but it would be best if they didn’t do either.
Disposables Vapes are Easily Available to Young People
As any teen who grew up smoking will tell you, buying tobacco without ID before you’re 18 is extremely difficult. Even the smallest of corner stores protect themselves by enforcing Think 25 policies that prevent children from buying products that they aren’t old enough for.
Sadly, the same isn’t always the case with vaping products. Many parents, shop owners, and young people don’t view disposable vapes in the same light as tobacco products. This is despite the fact that the law states that you must be at least 18 years old to buy any vaping product in the UK, regardless of nicotine content.
You can read more about 2023 UK vaping law in our handy guide.
We have had parents come into our store looking for vape devices for their children, usually to get them off disposable devices. Of course, we won’t ever sell a device or e-liquid in these circumstances, but it shows that it isn’t just shops making it easier for kids to vape.
Disposables are Discrete and Easier to Hide
Alongside being easy to get, disposable vapes are also very easy for young people to hide. Unlike cigarettes, vapes don’t leave a strong smell on clothing, skin, or hair. They can also be used for a session or a single hit, and the waste is easy to hold onto and dispose of later. This makes disposable vapes easier to hide than both cigarettes and permanent vape devices.
Disposables are Highly Addictive
When I was at school, smoking was fashionable… sort of. It made us feel like adults, and many kids used it as an excuse to get out of the house. The same can be said for vaping, though it seems to be on a much grander scale.
It’s harder for sensible kids to argue that vaping is bad for you when compared to smoking, and vaping is generally more appealing thanks to all of the nice flavours you can choose from. This has helped to bolster the growing disposable trend amongst young people and adults.
Alongside this, up until recently, many companies have been giving free samples of nicotine vape products to people under 18 years old. The Government is making this illegal, but the damage has already been done for many kids. Sometimes, all it takes is one disposable to create an addiction that could stay with a person for the rest of their life.
Do Disposables Hurt the UK Vaping Industry?
From the consumer’s perspective, it is hard to see the immediate negative impact that disposables are having on the vaping market. As a shop, though, we get a unique insight.
In the past, the UK was a hub for vaping innovation. We’ve long had some of the best e-liquid manufacturers in the world at our doorstep, as well as great hardware manufacturers in the UK and across Europe.
This has started to change since disposables have taken off. The vast majority of the hardware for disposable vape hardware is designed and made in China. A lot of the e-liquid inside disposables also come from overseas.
Buying things from different countries isn’t inherently bad. When it comes to the vaping market, though, UK businesses are going to struggle a lot to keep up with disposable production in other countries. The widespread use of these products also makes it extremely difficult for UK engineers and flavour experts to create the innovations we were once known for.
Of course, though, it doesn’t stop here. On May 30th, 2023, the UK Government released a statement announcing plans to crack down on sales of disposable vape devices to people under the age of 18.
Measures are already being put in place, but they could get a lot harsher if the current ones fail. For example, banning flavoured e-liquids is on the table, as has been done in countries like Australia. This would make it almost impossible for many vapers to enjoy their hobby, but how can we stop it?
On a personal level, the best way to make a change for yourself is to come to The Vaping Lodge and let our team help you find a great permanent vape to replace your disposables. Along with this, though, it’s also worth keeping up to date with new laws and government announcements about vaping. You can even contact your local MP to let them know what you think about new rules and laws.
The Alternatives to Disposable Vapes in 2023
There are countless excellent alternatives to disposable vapes on today’s market. Pod systems are possibly the best choice for someone who wants to switch from smoking or disposables to a permanent vape solution.
We offer a wide variety of pod systems and compatible salt nic e-liquids on our website. Here are some of our favourites!
Aspire Cyber S Pod System - An affordable pod system with great flavour and a draw that is very similar to a cigarette. The Cyber S is one of Aspire’s latest products, featuring a 780mAh battery, adjustable airflow, and button/auto firing.
Vaporesso XROS 3 Range - The Vaporesso XROS 3 range includes three devices. Each uses the same pods and has a 1000mAh battery, providing a very similar experience to many popular disposable brands. This device is one of the most popular in our store.
Voopoo Argus Pro - The Argus Pro is a step up from the devices listed above, capable of meeting the needs of DTL and MTL vapers alike. This device uses Voopoo’s incredibly popular PnP pod range and comes equipped with a massive 3000mAh battery. The Voopoo Argus Pro is ideal for those looking for a vape to switch from disposables and slowly boost their vaping experience.
This is just a small selection of the excellent disposable alternatives available at The Vaping Lodge. If you choose to purchase these or any of the products from our store, you can rest assured
Why Choose a Pod System vs. Disposable Vapes?
Finally, if you’re not already convinced, let’s take a look at some of the key reasons to choose pod systems rather than disposable vapes.
- Affordability: A single 10ml bottle of nic salt e-liquid costs £3.99 in our shop (or three for £10). One of these bottles contains the same amount of liquid as five 600-puff disposable vapes. You also have to consider the cost of replacement pods or coils, but it is very easy to make your permanent vape cheaper than disposables.
- Quality: It’s hard to tell exactly where your disposable vapes come from. With a lot of stores selling counterfeit and illegal disposables, you can never guarantee that you’re enjoying a quality vape. Moving to a pod system gives you the chance to buy UK-made e-liquids that follow some of the best production standards in the world.
- Variety: While there are plenty of disposable brands available with their own flavours, there are far fewer than the flavours available for pod system vapes. For example, our shop stocks about 20 disposable flavours vs. 200+ salt nic e-liquid flavours.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to choose a permanent vape device, like a pod system, instead of disposables. It’s likely that the UK Government will take further action against devices like this as time goes by.
If you’re unsure about how to quit smoking or choose the best vape device for you, you are always welcome to visit our store or chat with us online. We are always happy to help and can make the transition much easier for you.