California Seeks to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes

California is looking to ban disposable e-cigarettes under a new bill introduced on Wednesday by Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks).

The Southern California Democrat said at a news conference in Sacramento that single-use vapes pose a “significant” threat to California’s environment as well as to the state’s public health.

The California bill would ban the sale or distribution of new or refurbished disposable, battery-embedded vapes in the state, beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The proposal would allow the state or local governments to fine first-time offenders $500.

“Both the battery and the nicotine liquid can continue to post a threat to the environment,” Irwin said during the news conference.

Irwin said cigarette butts biodegrade after 10 years, but vapes do not fully break down and can leach mercury, lithium and battery acid into land and waterways.

“We must transition away from these harmful single-use devices, and AB 762 will do just that,” she said.

The state has also taken other measures regarding tobacco products. In October 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed into law a bill to bolster enforcement efforts of the state’s ban on all flavored tobacco sales in the state.

California's ban on all flavored tobacco sales in the state took effect in December 2022.

The California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA), Sacramento, a statewide trade association that represents small and minority wholesale and retailer marketers opposed the ban on all flavored tobacco sales. CSP reached out to CFCA for comment on the proposed bill to ban disposable e-cigarettes but did not receive a reply by posting time.

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