Refillable vs. Disposable Pods: Cost and Environmental Impact

Vaping has evolved into one of the most popular alternatives to smoking, with millions of people worldwide making the switch. In the UK, the vaping industry offers a vast range of devices, e-liquids, and accessories, giving users more choices than ever before. Among the most significant decisions vapers face is whether to use refillable pods or disposable pods. This choice doesn’t just impact cost; it also plays a role in environmental sustainability, convenience, and the overall vaping experience.

For those shopping at FREESMO, this decision is particularly important because the store offers a wide selection of both refillable pod kits and prefilled pod devices. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each can help you make a more informed, personalised choice.

Disposable Vape Ban in the UK

Since 1st June 2025, the UK government has banned disposable vapes as part of its wider public health and environmental strategy. The decision was introduced in response to several growing concerns:

• Youth vaping prevention – Disposable vapes have been heavily criticised for attracting underage users due to their sweet flavours, bright packaging, and easy availability.
• Environmental impact – Millions of disposable vapes are thrown away each week in the UK, many containing lithium batteries and non-biodegradable plastics that pollute landfills and waterways.
• Waste management issues – Disposables are difficult to recycle because they combine plastics, metals, and electronics in a single sealed unit.

With the ban now fully in effect, sales of disposable vapes are prohibited nationwide. Vapers who previously relied on them have had to transition to refillable pod systems, reusable devices, or other alternatives.

For consumers, this shift underscores the importance of adopting more sustainable vaping habits and supports the government’s commitment to both improved public health and environmental protection.

What Are Refillable Pods?

Refillable pods, also called open pod systems, allow you to manually fill them with your chosen e-liquid. These pods usually feature a removable coil or a built-in coil that lasts for multiple refills before needing replacement.

Devices like Vaporesso XROS, OXVA XLIM, or Aspire Flexus Q use refillable pods, giving vapers the freedom to select from hundreds of e-liquid flavours and nicotine strengths, including nicotine salts and freebase e-liquids.

Refillable pods appeal to users who want customisation, cost savings, and reduced waste, since the same pod can be reused multiple times before being recycled or disposed of.

Cost Comparison: Refillable vs. Disposable Pods

The financial difference between these two systems is significant when you consider long-term usage. Let’s break it down:

Disposable Pods: If you vape moderately and use one pod every two days, you might go through around 15 pods a month. At an average cost of £3–£5 per pod, that’s £45–£75 per month or £540–£900 per year for the pods alone.

Refillable Pods: A pack of two refillable pods might cost £6–£8, and each pod can last up to 10 refills depending on e-liquid type and coil resistance. E-liquids cost around £3–£5 for 10ml bottles (nic salts) or £10–£15 for 50ml shortfills. Monthly, you might spend £20–£30 including replacement coils and e-liquid, which is £240–£360 per year.

From this comparison, it’s clear that refillable pods can be 50–70% cheaper in the long run.

Understanding Refillable Pod Systems

Refillable pods are designed to be used multiple times, with the user refilling them with their preferred e-liquid. This could include options such as nicotine salts, shortfills, or even zero-nicotine e-liquids. Many popular brands like Aspire, Vaporesso, and OXVA produce pod systems that prioritise quality and customisation.

These devices typically use replacement pods which can last anywhere from several days to a few weeks, depending on usage. With a refillable pod system, you can select your flavour, nicotine strength, and VG/PG ratio to suit your preferences. This flexibility is one of the key reasons why experienced vapers prefer refillable options over disposables.

Advantages of Refillable Pods

Refillable pods often offer better value in the long run. While the initial cost of a refillable pod kit is higher than buying a disposable, the ongoing expenses are lower because e-liquid refills are much cheaper than purchasing a new disposable device each time. For example, a 10ml bottle of nic salts might cost around the same as one disposable but provide five times as many puffs.

Another advantage is flavour variety. With refillable pods, you are not limited to the flavours offered by a specific disposable brand. You can try fruity blends, menthol e-liquids, dessert flavours, and more, allowing for a personalised experience.

Refillable pods also tend to deliver better vapour production and flavour clarity, especially when paired with high-quality coils like those from Voopoo or Aspire.

Drawbacks of Refillable Pods

The main drawback for some users is the maintenance involved. You’ll need to refill the pod regularly, replace coils, and occasionally clean the device to keep it working at its best. This may feel inconvenient compared to the grab-and-go nature of disposables.

Additionally, while refillable pods are more environmentally friendly than disposables, they still generate waste in the form of empty e-liquid bottles and worn-out coils. However, this waste is far less compared to the full device waste generated by disposables.

Understanding Disposable Pods

Disposable pods or disposable vape devices are single-use products that come pre-filled with e-liquid and a built-in battery. Once the e-liquid runs out or the battery dies, the device is discarded.

Disposables are typically precharged, prefilled, and ready to use right out of the box, making them extremely convenient for beginners or occasional vapers. They require no maintenance — no refilling, no coil changes, no charging — just inhale and enjoy.

Advantages of Disposable Pods

The biggest advantage of disposable pods is convenience. They are compact, lightweight, and can be used immediately without any setup. This makes them ideal for travel, nights out, or for smokers trying vaping for the first time.

Another benefit is consistency. Disposables are manufactured to deliver a specific experience from start to finish, so you won’t have to worry about settings, coil compatibility, or e-liquid choice.

Drawbacks of Disposable Pods

Despite their convenience, disposable pods have significant downsides. From a cost perspective, they are more expensive over time compared to refillable systems. A frequent vaper could spend several times more each month using disposable pods than they would with a refillable pod kit.

Environmentally, disposables are problematic. They contribute to electronic waste, as each device contains a battery, coil, and plastic body that is thrown away after a single use. Even with recycling programs, the scale of disposable waste poses a challenge.

Cost Analysis: Refillable vs. Disposable

Let’s compare the costs. A refillable pod kit might cost £20–£30 initially. Replacement coils typically cost around £2–£4 each, and a 10ml bottle of e-liquid costs roughly £4–£6. If you vape moderately, that bottle might last a week, meaning your monthly cost could be around £25–£35.

In contrast, disposable pods often cost £5–£7 each and last only a day or two for a regular vaper. This could bring your monthly cost to £75–£150 or more. Over the course of a year, the savings with refillables can be substantial — potentially hundreds of pounds.

Environmental Impact Comparison

From an environmental standpoint, refillable pods are clearly the better choice. With disposables, each unit contains plastic components, creating significant waste. Even if collected and recycled, the sheer volume of discarded disposable pods strains recycling facilities.

Refillable pods reduce waste by allowing the same device to be used for months or even years, with only small components like coils being discarded. Many environmentally conscious vapers are switching to refillables specifically to minimise their footprint.

Making the Right Choice for You

If you vape regularly, refillable kits bring with them important advantages:

• Lower long-term costs compared to disposable pods
• Greater flavour variety
• Broader nicotine strength options.

At FREESMO, you’ll find a wide selection of refillable pod kits and other reusable devices designed to suit every type of vaper, from beginners to experienced users.

If you’re unsure which device best fits your lifestyle, take a moment to complete the FREESMO Smoke-Free Questionnaire. By answering a few simple questions, you’ll receive a personalised recommendation to guide you towards the ideal refillable kit.