How a small contribution can make a big difference

Anyone who buys a new hairdryer, refrigerator or vacuum cleaner in Switzerland normally pays a small surcharge: the advance recycling contribution (ARC). The ARC is a clever solution in the Swiss recycling system, making it one of the best in the world.

What is the advance recycling contribution?

The advance recycling contribution is a small surcharge levied on the purchase of an electrical appliance. It is included directly in the purchase price and paid by manufacturers and importers to recycling organisations such as SENS eRecycling. These organisations pass on the costs to retailers, who ultimately pass them on to consumers. The term "advance" means that the costs for later recycling are paid at the time of purchase – not when the appliance is disposed of.

This mechanism applies to almost all electrical and electronic equipment in Switzerland. SENS eRecycling is responsible for household and garden appliances, PV modules, e-cigarettes, lights, and industrial and car batteries. Swico Recycling is responsible for office, IT and telecommunications equipment. 

How does this differ from other systems?

The recycling system for batteries, aluminium cans and glass bottles works in a similar way – with one difference: for these products, an advance recycling fee (ARF) is required by law. For electrical appliances, on the other hand, the Ordinance on the Return, Take-Back and Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ORDEE) only regulates the take-back obligation of manufacturers and importers. The amount of the ARC is not set by law, but is calculated by recycling organisations such as SENS eRecycling to cover costs – with the involvement of the industry via the ARC Commission. This is why we refer to it as a "contribution" rather than a "fee" – a subtle but important difference that gives the system more flexibility.

Why do we pay the ARC?

The principle is simple and fair: anyone who buys a device also bears the costs of its proper disposal. By making a small contribution at the time of purchase, the costs are spread across many shoulders. This makes the system cheaper for everyone and ensures that the disposal costs are borne by those who use the product.

What is financed by the ARC?

The advance recycling contribution covers the entire chain of proper disposal:

Collection and logistics: The collection of electrical appliances is financed throughout Switzerland – both at the more than 630 official SENS collection points and at retailers, who also receive remuneration for taking back appliances. Consumers can return their old appliances free of charge – regardless of where they were purchased.

Professional recycling: Old electrical appliances contain valuable raw materials such as copper, gold and rare earths. The ARC finances professional processing in specialised facilities, where materials are separated and prepared for recycling.

Environmentally friendly disposal of hazardous substances: Hazardous substances such as refrigerants and PCBs are disposed of safely so that they do not enter the environment.

Awareness and information: Part of the money goes towards awareness campaigns so that the public knows how important proper e-recycling is.

Why does the ARC make the system so stable?

Through the ARC, the funds flow into earmarked funds – this means that money is available for a certain period of time, regardless of raw material prices or political decisions, which enables long-term planning. 

A small contribution with a big impact

The advance recycling contribution is usually very low, but depends on the category of appliance and its weight. For an electric toothbrush, it is around 20 centimes, and for a refrigerator around 25 Swiss francs. However, these amounts add up to a powerful system that professionally processes over 100,000 tonnes of old electrical appliances every year. For consumers, the ARC means convenience above all else: old appliances can be returned free of charge throughout Switzerland without incurring any additional fees. A small contribution at the time of purchase, a big impact on the environment.