California will ban the sale of single-use, battery-powered vapes to fight plastic pollution under a law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The ban targets single-use e-cigarettes, making it illegal to manufacture or import new or refurbished battery-embedded vapor devices starting Jan. 1, 2027. It also bans retail sales starting Jan. 1, 2028.
The measure allows local governments or the state to fine people $500 for their first violation of the ban, $1,000 for their second infringement and $2,000 for subsequent offenses. It specifically tackles disposable e-cigarettes that contain tobacco. It won’t include vaping devices containing cannabis.
Experts say part of the appeal of disposable vapes is that they are often more easily accessible and cheaper than refillable devices. The devices are so prevalent they often end up in landfills where their batteries can create a fire hazard or on the ground where they can leak toxic chemicals, including lead and lithium.