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.

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.

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. 

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