California Will Ban Disposable Vapes in 2028
Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation prohibiting the sale of single-use vapes containing sealed lithium-ion batteries.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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California will officially ban the sale of single-use disposable vapes starting January 1, 2028. The new law aims to mitigate fire risks caused by lithium-ion batteries that end up in the waste stream.
Why it matters
The state intends to reduce the significant fire hazards and environmental impacts posed by improperly discarded vape batteries in landfills and trash trucks. Currently, waste facilities face at least $95 million in annual costs to manage fires ignited by these devices.
Retailers and distributors will face a $500 fine for a first violation of the sales ban, with subsequent violations carrying a penalty of up to $2,000.
The players
Gavin Newsom
He is the Governor of California who signed Assembly Bill 762 into law.
The details
Assembly Bill 762 prohibits the sale of any vaping device that contains a sealed lithium-ion battery. Retailers will be granted a one-year window after the law takes effect to clear out existing inventory, while reusable vaping systems remain unaffected by the new legislation.
Timeline
January 1, 2028 is the date when disposable vape sales become illegal in California.
Roadmap
Assembly Bill 762 represents a significant shift in state-level regulation of consumer electronics and waste management. This move positions the state to address the specific hazards posed by compact, non-replaceable battery technologies that have historically complicated recycling efforts.
Consumers who currently rely on disposable vapes will need to transition to reusable systems, which remain legal under the new statute. Retailers should prepare for new compliance obligations and the potential phase-out of specific inventory leading up to the 2028 deadline.
The takeaway
The move toward banning disposable vapes reflects an increasing focus on battery-related safety protocols in municipal waste systems. Residents should prioritize proper disposal of all electronic waste to avoid triggering fires in the future.
Further reading
Learn more about local regulations on Electric Vehicles and energy storage safety in the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Capradio.
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