Vape recycling in the ski area - sensible, simple, free of charge

An e-cigarette is a small, battery-driven electrical appliance. In contrast to classical cigarettes, it does not burn any tobacco, but rather electrically heats a fluid (known as “e-liquid”), causing it to give off steam. This is why electronic cigarettes are often also referred to as “e-hookahs” or “vapes” (because they “vaporise” the liquid). There are both disposable and reusable e-cigarettes.

An e-cigarette is a small, battery-driven electrical appliance. In contrast to classical cigarettes, it does not burn any tobacco, but rather electrically heats a fluid (known as “e-liquid”), causing it to give off steam. This is why electronic cigarettes are often also referred to as “e-hookahs” or “vapes” (because they “vaporise” the liquid). There are both disposable and reusable e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes are comprised of a case, mouthpiece, lithium-ion battery, electrical vaporiser and small tank containing the liquid. Disposable e-cigarettes also have a battery carrier (MOD).

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.

With the advance recycling fee (ARF). The advance recycling fee was introduced on the basis of the Ordinance on the Return, Taking Back and Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ORDEE) in order to ensure the financing of sustainable, environmentally friendly recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. While manufacturers, retailers, importers and collection points are obliged to take back used electrical and electronic appliances, consumers are obliged to recycle used appliances.

Do you have any further questions or would you like more information on eRecycling? Please contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions. To the contact form

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.

Vape Recycling Bags are the new recycling bags for e-cigarettes.
Points of sale can use them to collect returned e-cigarettes and send them back to SENS eRecycling by post. 

The Vape Recycling Bags are now also available to consumers. The bags can be ordered here at no charge and will be delivered directly to the consumer’s home. Filled bags are left in the letter box – and Swiss Post delivers them to the recycling point. 

Only e-cigarettes can be put in the Vape Recycling Bag. These include both disposable and reusable e-cigarettes with rechargeable batteries and empty liquids.

Damaged e-cigarettes must be returned to a SENS collection centre. 

The Vape Recycling Bag is designed to hold four to five kilograms (approx. 140–170 vapes weighing 30 g each).

As a sales outlet, you can also order a vape collection box in addition to the Vape Recycling Bag. The bag fits perfectly into the collection box measuring 17 × 17 × 30 cm, which is ideal for use on sales counters or in similar places.