As colourful as disposable vapes look, their consequences for the environment are grim. An industry solution is now to ensure that they are recycled.
The industry solution for the environmentally friendly disposal of e-cigarettes
Due to their batteries and electrical heating coils, e-cigarettes qualify as electrical appliances and are subject to the Ordinance on the Return, Taking Back and Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment ORDEE. Accordingly, manufacturers, importers and retailers in Switzerland are obliged by law to take back all types of disused e-cigarettes.
New industry solution since 1 July 2023
With the new industry solution for e-cigarettes, which has been operational since 1 July 2023, SENS eRecycling is now offering manufacturers and importers a standardised process for the collection, transportation and environmentally friendly disposal of e-cigarettes.
Collection and return by post
Upon request, SENS eRecycling will deliver so-called “Vape Recycling Bags” to any e-cigarette sales outlet. Operators of sales outlets can use these to collect returned e-cigarettes and send them back to SENS eRecycling by post.
Alternatively, sales outlets – although also consumers themselves – can hand in disused e-cigarettes free of charge to any SENS collection point throughout Switzerland.
Return your e-cigarettes wherever you can buy them
E-cigarettes can be returned throughout Switzerland free of charge at any sales outlet that includes e-cigarettes in its product range. Alternatively, they can be disposed of at the nearest SENS collection point.
So easy
E-cigarettes will be taken back wherever you can buy them and put in a Vape Recycling Bag for recycling.
So effective
10 million e-cigarettes were imported into Switzerland in 2022 – and our aim is to recycle at least 50% of these.
So important
Each e-cigarette contains lithium, nickel, aluminium or copper. These recyclable materials are valuable and need to be placed back into circulation.
15 cents for recycling – The advance recycling contribution (ARC)
In a similar manner to other used electrical and electronic devices, when buying e-cigarettes Swiss consumers already pay a contribution for subsequent recycling to partners that have adhered to the industry solution. This advance recycling contribution (ARC) amounts to 15 cents for disposable or reusable e-cigarettes as well as battery carriers with a battery, or 10 cents for battery carriers without a battery.