One year after the disposable vape ban took effect, three new studies indicate the policy has achieved only limited success in curbing youth vaping and reducing environmental waste. While youth usage has dropped, weak enforcement and a lack of retail recycling options continue to undermine the legislation.
According to environmental advocate Material Focus, a major obstacle is the “recycling lottery.” Retailers are failing to provide legally mandated recycling points. Convenience stores are the worst offenders, with 63% failing to offer visible recycling facilities, compared to 43% of supermarkets.
On a positive note, a YouGov poll suggests the ban is successfully deterring younger users. Disposable vape usage among vapers aged 11 to 17 has plummeted over the last few years:
| Year | Underage Vapers Primarily Using Disposables (%) |
|---|---|
| 2023 (Peak) | 69% |
| 2025 (Pre-ban) | 42% |
| Post-ban (Current) | 13% |
However, adult compliance remains low. A survey by tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris found that 34% of adult vapers still use disposables, and 57% of respondents were entirely unaware of the ban. Labeling the policy a “complete failure,” industry players are urging the government to introduce a robust retail licensing scheme and a properly funded enforcement regime to stop illicit sales.
