Manufacturers and importers

Assume responsibility

Together, you ensure that the 10 million used vapes end up in the right place and are properly recycled. Manufacturers and importers can make a big difference here. 75% of the sector is already on board. Why not join us too?

How do I become a vape recycling partner?

All manufacturers and importers of e-cigarettes can join the industry solution scheme. Registering is straightforward.

Affiliation-Contract-E-cigarettes

PDF (213.6kB)

260101-SENS-eRecycling-Customer-information

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Factsheet E-Cigarettes

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What does the partnership cost?

As a manufacturer or importer you pay nothing. The advance recycling contribution (ARC) is paid by consumers when purchasing e-cigarettes. All you need to do is add the contribution to the sales price. The money is used to finance the collection, transport, and recycling of e-cigarettes as well as information campaigns.

The current contributions per item:

Disposable e-cigarettes: CHF 0.10 (excl. VAT)
Reusable e-cigarettes: CHF 0.10 (excl. VAT)
Battery carriers (including a built-in battery): CHF 0.10 (excl. VAT)
Battery carriers without a battery: CHF 0.05 (excl. VAT)

Legal basis

Under the ORDEE, manufacturers and importers have certain obligations. What exactly applies?

What happens to the vapes once they have been collected?

Only licensed recycling companies with the required permits process e-cigarettes in the SENS recycling system. They dismantle the old devices, neutralise harmful substances, and recover raw materials. These are so pure that they flow back into the cycle as secondary materials. SENS eRecycling regularly audits plants and their infrastructure, focusing on environmental protection and safety.

Who is already a part?

Which manufacturers and importers of e-cigarettes are already affiliated to the SENS recycling system?

Questions and answers

Which raw materials do e-cigarettes contain?

E-cigarettes contain batteries, specifically lithium batteries. The advantage of lithium is that it is extremely light and stores a lot of energy, which can be quickly released. It is therefore also used in smartphone, laptop and electric car batteries. Other valuable raw materials include cobalt, nickel, copper and aluminium, which all need to be put back into circulation.

Where are my e-cigarettes recycled?

E-cigarettes are only recycled by recycling companies that have the necessary permits and a SENS license to process the corresponding device category. SENS eRecycling regularly inspects the companies and their infrastructure.

Find out more about recycling e-cigarettes in our blog: How e-cigarette recycling works

How is the take-back solution financed?

SENS eRecycling finances the costs of collection, transportation, raising consumer awareness and disposal of e-cigarettes through an advance recycling charge (ARC). It currently amounts to 10 cents for disposable or reusable e-cigarettes as well as battery carriers, or 5 cents for battery carriers without a battery.