In this article...
- Disposable vapes posed a significant environmental challenge due to single-use plastics and batteries.
- The waste problem inspired a wave of creative upcycling, from public art to a functional e-bike.
- Following the UK ban, the market has fully embraced more sustainable, reusable vape systems.
- Modern reusable kits offer a superior experience that is both more economical and eco-friendly.
The UK’s ban on disposable vapes has completely reshaped the vaping landscape[i]. For a time, their popularity was undeniable, but as a company, we were always conscious of the significant environmental challenge they presented: the waste from single-use products. Each device contained plastic, and more importantly, a valuable lithium-ion battery that was often discarded after just one use.
This environmental impact is precisely why the ban was introduced, paving the way for the sustainable, reusable systems that we now champion as the standard. Before this industry-wide shift, I was fascinated by the creative people who were already tackling the problem head-on by repurposing vapes. They saw the materials in these discarded vapes not as rubbish, but as a resource.
Their ingenuity proved that this modern waste could be transformed into something functional, artistic, and impressive. So today, I want to take a look back at five of the most incredible ways people upcycled disposable vapes, from large-scale art to innovative transport.
Transforming Vape Waste into Public Art
One of the most visual responses to the waste from disposables was repurposing vape components to create public art. The colourful plastic casings provided a unique material for artists to make a statement about single-use products.
An early initiative, the “Carts for the Arts” exhibition, provided artists with discarded vapes to create sculptures. One of the notable pieces was “Stella The Sea Turtle” by Brittany Estep, which used the cartridges to form the turtle’s shell, directly highlighting the environmental theme[ii].
This idea was taken to a much larger scale by the community group Clean Our Patch in Plymouth. In 2023, they used 4,500 collected vapes to create a five-foot-tall seahorse sculpture called “The Ballad of Lost Mary.” Displaying the sculpture in public areas, including the local train station, effectively raised awareness of the waste issue[iii].
Our own take on Lost Mary Art
This creative way of repurposing vapes wasn’t limited to static art; the components also began to appear in fashion and accessories.
From Vape Waste to Wearables
Beyond large art installations, the components from disposable vapes were also repurposed into fashion and accessories. Designers found uses for everything from the plastic casings to the internal electronics, creating some unique items.
One of the most notable examples of repurposed vapes was the, “If Jackie O Vaped” jacket by Sheilagh McCafferty. She used the tiny LED lights extracted from 150 vapes to decorate a pink wool jacket. Another ambitious project was the “Vape Vamp” dress by Martha Jones, which was constructed from nearly 1,000 vape cartridges.
Even smaller accessories like necklaces were created, combining the plastic cartridges with materials like copper wire. These projects showed the versatility of the materials, but the most practical applications came from harnessing the power of the battery inside.
Repurposing Vapes to Power Everyday Electronics
The most functional upcycling came from salvaging the internal components, specifically the lithium-ion battery. Discarding these batteries is not just an environmental issue, but a waste of a valuable resource, as they use the same technology found in phones and laptops.
It is extremely important to note however, that you shouldn’t dismantle vapes, disconnect and remove batteries, or recharge used vape batteries unless you have specific safety training in this area. Without this training there is the very real risk of fire from inappropriate handling of vape batteries.
Recycle your vapes safely with us
A company in South Africa called “One More Time” built a business model around this concept. They collect discarded vapes and repurpose the batteries into portable power banks, creating a closed-loop system where waste is turned into a functional consumer product[iv].
On a smaller scale, Mark Hopgood, who we will cover in more detail later, began his repurposing vapes projects by salvaging vape batteries to power his iPhone and other musical equipment. These examples proved the viability of reusing the electronic components, which also led to innovative uses for the other materials in home goods.
Repurposing Vapes to Create Functional Home Goods
Beyond the battery, designers also found uses for the plastic tubing, metal casings, and silicone components. This approach aimed to keep the entire device out of landfills by turning it into functional household items.
An example of this is the disposable vape lamp created by designer Ben Watson. Inspired by the amount of vape litter he saw, he transformed the components into a modern lamp, demonstrating that the waste could be repurposed into home decor[v].
The company “One More Time,” known for making power banks from vape batteries, also developed a product to use the remaining materials. Their “Re-Pot” is a plant pot holder made from the leftover plastic tubing and silicone, showcasing a commitment to a zero-waste process[vi].
These projects showed the potential for creating static items, but the next example scaled up the ambition significantly by creating a form of transport.
The Vape-Powered E-Bike
The final and most technically ambitious example of upcycling is the creation of a functional, vape-powered e-bike. This project took the concept of repurposing from static items to a form of personal transport.
The bike was built by Mark Hopgood, who was motivated after receiving a £1,200 quote to replace his own broken e-bike. He chose to motorise a conventional bicycle using a power source made from discarded disposables[vii].
After collecting around 100 Elf Bar vapes, he tested each battery for safety and charge capacity. He then selected the best seventy and wired them into a custom power pack. The resulting e-bike successfully reached the UK’s legal 15mph speed limit, with performance comparable to a commercial model. Hopgood's plan is to refine the design and share the blueprints, demonstrating the highest potential of upcycling discarded vape components.
The UK’s Shift Away from Disposables
The upcycling projects we’ve highlighted were a creative response to the significant environmental waste generated by single-use vapes. The popularity of disposables was driven by their convenience, a simple, grab-and-go solution with no need for refilling or recharging. This ease of use fostered an unsustainable “throwaway culture.” Each discarded device contained plastic, and more importantly, a valuable lithium-ion battery, contributing to a growing e-waste problem that prompted official action.
In response to these environmental concerns, the UK government officially banned the sale of disposable vapes. This landmark legislation was designed to tackle the waste stream at its source and has fundamentally reshaped the vaping industry. With disposables now off the market, reusable systems like Refillable Pod Kits and Vape Starter Kits have rightly become the new standard.
These alternatives offer a far more sustainable and satisfying experience.
- Environmentally Friendly: A single reusable device can last for months or even years, replacing hundreds of disposables. The only waste generated comes from small, used coils and empty e-liquid bottles, dramatically reducing plastic and battery disposal.
- Cost-Effective: While the initial purchase price of a kit is higher than a single disposable, the long-term savings are substantial. A 10ml bottle of e-liquid costs less than a single disposable but provides up to five times the number of puffs.
- More Choice & Control: Reusable kits open up a vast world of flavour and nicotine strength options. Vapers can choose from thousands of e-liquids and tailor their experience perfectly to their preferences, something that was never possible with the limited range of disposables.
As the market has adapted, these reusable options have become the ideal solution for vapers. Here are a couple of our top picks to get you started.
VLTZ re:fuel 2
The VLTZ re:fuel 2 is the perfect direct replacement for disposable vapes, designed for simplicity and intense flavour. Now fully compliant with replaceable pods, it features an upgraded 800mAh battery for longer life, an LED battery indicator, and a constant voltage output for a consistent vape every time. The simple auto-draw and easy side-fill system make it an effortless and rewarding switch.
VLTZ-X GO 10
For those who want the high puff count of disposables in a reusable device, the VLTZ X GO 10 is the leading choice. This high-capacity, multi-pod system is designed for longevity, providing up to 10,000 puffs. It includes a 2ml pre-filled pod and an 8ml refill container, powered by a 600mAh rechargeable battery. The constant voltage output ensures a consistently smooth and flavourful mouth-to-lung (MTL) experience, making it a fantastic and cost-effective alternative.
And it’s not just us. The entire industry has shifted. The biggest names that were once synonymous with ‘disposable’ have now fully embraced reusable and sustainable alternatives. This is the clearest sign that the era of single-use vaping is truly over.
You can still get the exact same flavours you loved from the biggest brands, but in a much more responsible format. The iconic Lost Mary BM600, for instance, is now the rechargeable Lost Mary BM600 Prefilled Pod Kit, and their larger BM6000 has also been replaced by a pre-filled kit. It’s the same story for the classic Elf Bar 600, which has been succeeded by the ELFBAR 600 Prefilled Pod Kit. Likewise, fans of the SKE Crystal Bar can now find those same great flavours in the rechargeable SKE 600 PRO Kit.
Recycle With Totally Wicked and Save
We are committed to building a more sustainable future for vaping. Disposing of old vape devices correctly is crucial, and we want to make it easy and rewarding for you.
That's why we have our vape recycling program.
Bring any old vape kit into one of our participating stores, and we will ensure it is recycled responsibly. To thank you for helping us protect the environment, you will receive a 20% discount on the purchase of any new vape kit.
It’s the perfect opportunity to make a sustainable switch, save money, and discover a better way to vape. Find your nearest store today and join us in making a difference.
References
[i] https://defraenvironment.blog.gov.uk/2025/05/01/single-use-vapes-why-its-time-to-ditch-them-for-good/
[ii] https://upcyclepop.com/carts-for-the-arts/
[iii] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gzy2jepxyo
[iv] https://1moretime.co.za/blogs/news/your-vape-deserves-a-second-chance-too
[v] https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/sep/26/design-news-the-art-of-collecting-climate-apartheid-and-recycled-vapes
[vi] https://1moretime.co.za/blogs/news/why-did-we-make-the-re-pot
[vii] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/old-vapes-batteries-elf-bar-b2561201.html
