Disposable vapes are an extremely popular vaping option at the moment but unfortunately, as they are designed for short-term use, they are not a very environmentally-friendly or budget-friendly option when used long-term. In this post we are going to be looking at the benefits of switching to one of the many alternatives to disposable vapes, and talking you through some of the vape kits that offer a comparable flavour and vaping experience, while being more environmentally conscious and affordable.

Reduced environmental impact

Disposable vapes have an extremely simple design and come prefilled with e-liquid and with a built-in battery that is designed to last as long as the e-liquid inside. However, this design also means that disposables cannot be recycled as they contain a battery and other internal components.

The average disposable vape offers around 600 puffs per device which, depending on how much you vape, can last anywhere from a day to a week. This means having to replace the device regularly and when used long-term can result in a lot of devices ending up going straight to landfill, adding an estimated 10 tonnes of lithium to landfills annually.

By switching to a reduced impact option like a prefilled pod system or a refillable vape kit, the battery is rechargeable and will not need to be disposed of for a long time. It is only the pod or coil that will need to be replace, contributing less to landfill and reducing the amount of waste you are producing.

A more economical option

One of the most common reasons that people make the switch from smoking to vaping is to save money. Although disposables are an affordable option for a short-term vaping solution, such as if you are going to a festival and do not want to risk losing or damaging your usual vape kit, when used long-term the price can quickly add up.

Most prefilled pod kits are comparable in price to that of one or two disposable vapes, and from there the pods can be purchased in packs that usually contain two pods, each of which will last as long if not longer than a single disposable vape, but at a similar price point. This means that for the same price as a single disposable you can get double the amount of puffs, if not more.

Refillable pod kits can offer even more savings. Although the initial device may cost a bit more than a disposable, from there the cost of pods or coils and e-liquids becomes a lot more budget-friendly. One 10 ml bottle of e-liquid costs less than a single disposable vape, but contains 5 times the among of e-liquid. Comparing the cost per ml of e-liquid, disposable vapes cost a whopping £2 - £3 per ml, whereas the average bottle of e-liquid only costs 40p per ml, and will last you five times as long as a disposable, if not longer.

Prefilled pod kits

Prefilled pod kits are arguably the most simple type of starter kits available, requiring little maintenance or pre-existing vaping knowledge. The actual operation of the device is much the same as disposable vapes, there are no buttons or settings, you simply need to inhale through the mouthpiece. The main difference being that these devices can be recharged whenever needed and have the pod replaced with a new one when empty.

Vuse ePod 2 prefilled pod vape kit

Vuse are known for their affordable and user-friendly prefilled pod kits, which are designed for new vapers and are very comparable to disposable vape kits in terms of flavour, size, and vaping experience.

The ePod 2 device has a similar size and shape to many disposables, and contains a built-in battery that can be recharged whenever needed, and can fast-charge to 80% in just 35 minutes.

The ePod pods are available in a variety of delicious flavour options like watermelon ice, blueberry ice, and creamy tobacco, and contain 1.9 ml of nicotine salt e-liquid per pod. Selected flavours are even available in different nicotine strength options which allows you to select the strength that best suits your needs or reduce your nicotine strength over time. Each pod offers up to 950 puffs, and they are available in packs of two, so for the same price as a single disposable vape you are getting three times as many puffs!

Vuse are making a huge effort to become more sustainable and lessen the environmental impact of their products. In the last year they have changed up their packaging to eliminate any unnecessary or unsustainable elements so, depending on your local recycling restrictions, most of the packaging can be recycled.

Elf Bar Elfa prefilled pod vape kit

If you regularly use disposable vapes you have likely used or at least heard of Elf Bar, as they are one of the most popular manufacturers of disposables on the market. However, you may not have realised that they also offer reusable vape kits that make an excellent alternative to disposables.

Elf Bar’s Elfa pod kit has been designed specifically for disposable vape users who are looking to switch to a more environmentally and economically friendly long-term alternative. The Elfa has the same shape, look, and inhale as a disposable Elf Bar, but has a rechargeable built-in 500 mAh battery and uses prefilled pods.

Elf Bar Mate 500 pod vape kit

They also offer the Mate 500 device which is incredibly versatile kit as it allows you to choose between their range of prefilled P1 pods or their refillable pods, to find the option that best suits you.

Like disposables, this device has no buttons and is draw activated, so you just need to inhale through the mouthpiece to vape. The pods click easily into place and are available in all of the most popular Elf Bar flavours so you can still enjoy all your favourites.

They also have the same 20 mg/ml nicotine strength that is found in many disposables. If you feel you are ready to decrease your nicotine strength, or would just like to explore more flavour options outside of the prefilled pod range, you can move on to the refillable pods which can be paired with any compatible e-liquid of your choice.

Although the pods for these devices will need to be disposed of when empty, the battery can be recharged and reused time and time again, minimising the amount of waste you are creating. Plus, most of the packaging can be recycled in your usual recycle bin.

Each pod pack contains two 2 ml pods for around the same price as a disposable vape, offer you twice as much bang for your buck!

Refillable vape kits

If your main concern when making the switch from disposables to an alternative is the environmental impact, a refillable vape kit is your best reduced impact option. These devices have a pod or tank that can be repeatedly refilled with your choice of compatible e-liquid, and the pod or coil will only need to be replaced once the coil has started to burn out.

Vaporesso XROS Mini refillable pod vape kit

The Vaporesso XROS Mini is a fantastic option if you moving from a disposable to reusable device, as it has a similar inhale and size to a disposable. It has a 1000 mAh built-in battery, which offers plenty of power to keep you going between charges, and can be refilled with any 50/50 or high PG e-liquid in whichever flavour or nicotine strength takes your fancy.

The pod has a top fill design and leak-resistant technology so it is easy to store in your pocket or bag without having to worry, this also makes it really easy to top up your e-liquid on-the-go.

VOOPOO Argus Z refillable pod vape kit

The Argus Z from VOOPOO is a recent addition to the market, with a super small size, sleek yet simple design, and a powerful 900 mAh battery housed inside.

The replacement pods are secured in the device via an invisible magnetic connection and feature VOOPOO’s patented multi-layer leakage-proof design, offering you peace of mind knowing you can store the device without having to worry about the pod leaking or falling out. The airflow design of the device is perfect for mouth-to-lung vaping and can be adjusted to loosen or tighten the draw to suit your preferences.

Disposable vape style e-liquids

With the popularity of disposable vapes some brands have brought out ranges of disposable style e-liquids so you can enjoy the flavours you love in a refillable vape kit.

Double Brew e-liquid

Disposable vapes commonly contain more flavour concentrate than most traditional e-liquids, so Ohm Brew have released their latest range, Double Brew, to help you get that same intense flavour experience in any compatible vape kit.

With double the concentrate you get double the flavour, and can choose between eight delicious disposable inspired flavours, including some of your favourite BrewBox flavours!

Double Brew are ideal if you are looking for a lower nicotine strength or would like the option to decrease your nicotine intake over time, as they are available in three strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg/ml.

ELFLIQ e-liquid

If you’re a lover of Elf Bar then their new ELFLIQ range may be the ideal option for you.

Available in all their most popular flavours, these e-liquids have the same flavour concentrates and smooth nic salts, but are available in a 10 mg/ml or 20 mg/ml strength, offering you the ability to select the strength that best suits your needs.

The 50/50 formula makes these e-liquids perfect for pairing with the refillable devices mentioned above, or with any starter kit or refillable pod kit.

If you want to learn more about alternatives to disposable vapes, or have any questions about reusable vape kits, pop in to your local Evapo store and speak to a member of our team, or reach out to our online customer service hub.