When ordered, SENS eRecycling delivers Vape Recycling Bags and vape collection boxes directly to the sales outlets of contractual partners. Operators of sales outlets can use these to collect returned e-cigarettes and send them for recycling free of charge by post.

Alternatively, sales outlets – as well as consumers themselves – can hand in disused e-cigarettes free of charge to any SENS collection point  in Switzerland.

Consumers and institutions such as schools and restaurants can also order the vape recycling bag free of charge to help ensure the correct disposal of vapes.

Due to their batteries and electrical heating coils, e-cigarettes qualify as electrical devices 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 used e-cigarettes.

As with other electrical and electronic devices, when buying e-cigarettes Swiss consumers already pay a contribution for subsequent recycling to partners implementing the industry solution. This advance recycling contribution (ARC) is added to the sale price and amounts to CHF 0.10 for disposable or reusable e-cigarettes as well as battery carriers with a battery, or CHF 0.05 for battery carriers without a battery.

The advance recycling contribution (ARC) is levied by manufacturers or importers as a fixed amount on the sale price and is subject to value added tax. It cannot be incorporated into pricing policy as a marketing instrument.