Adjustment to tariffs as of 1 January 2026

The fund for small devices, which has been in existence since 2004, has had a low balance for some time and is significantly below the fund's lower limit as of 31 December 2024. The increases in costs related to collection, transport and recycling, as well as the increase in quantities, are increasingly exacerbating this situation. To settle the discrepancy in the fund, an increase in tariffs is necessary.

Overview of the tariff adjustments

Products in the small devices and power tools categories are affected by the increases.

The new tariffs are valid from 1 January 2026. A detailed list of the categories affected can be found in the 2026 tariff and device list. By adjusting our tariffs, we ensure sustainable financing and the provision of high-quality recycling for the coming years. Would you like to learn more about the increase in tariffs? Visit our website or one of the two webinars on this topic.

Increasing costs and quantities coupled with growing challenges

The reasons for the increasing costs are the new charges for collection, transport and recycling services. Since 2017, no increases have been made in this area. The charges were reviewed through studies and external support. The results of these checks led to an increase in charges by 15 per cent. In addition to higher wages, fuel costs and energy costs, the underlying factors include the increased complexity and miniaturisation of the electrical and electronic devices affected by the increase. In addition, the higher risk of fire due to the increased use of battery-powered electrical devices must be taken into account. By contrast, the volume of recyclable materials recovered has decreased.

Outlook for the next few years

The revised Environmental Protection Act, which came into force on 1 January 2025, promotes the circular economy in Switzerland and strengthens the role of private sector organisations. The preparation and adjustment of the relevant ordinances is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed by 2027 according to the schedule of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). This creates additional opportunities for SENS eRecycling. From 2028 onwards, stakeholders that have not yet participated in the system should also be able to become involved, thereby closing existing financing gaps.

By 2030, SENS expects a steadily growing market for small devices, with the key growth drivers being demographic development, technological innovation and consumer behaviour. A slight increasing in the collection rate is expected on the disposal side, which will be achieved through changes in consumer behaviour and growing awareness resulting from targeted campaigns.

The tariff adjustments secure sustainable financing for the coming years while maintaining high-quality recycling. Through the measures taken, the fund for small devices should have returned to a level that is within the fund limits defined in the regulations by 2030.