Building the foundation for the next 35 years

This regulatory shift is tightening extended producer responsibility and helping to bring previously unaffiliated market participants into existing recycling systems. For SENS eRecycling, this means that our field of action is expanding and that our role as a privately organised take-back and recycling system is being strengthened further. As part of the further development of the ADWO, we took the opportunity to show the Federal Office for the Environment how our system works and how the various stakeholders are being integrated in the process. The next concrete step will be the revised ORDEE, which is scheduled to enter into force in autumn 2026.

I spent a lot of time during the reporting year thinking about one topic in particular: the risks to our recycling system associated with buying abroad – risks that end users are often completely unaware of. 35 per cent of Swiss consumers would probably or very likely buy their electrical appliances abroad. Most are unaware that in doing so, their appliance comes without the advance recycling contribution. This jeopardises the long-term financial viability of our system. The public needs to be made aware of this issue, but clear regulatory responses are also called for.

I look back with pride on the completion of the Swiss PV Circle project. For the past year and a half, SENS eRecycling has collaborated with Swissolar, the Bern University of Applied Sciences and other partners, and a concrete foundation for the reuse of photovoltaic modules is now in place. It is now incumbent upon policymakers and industry to implement these measures.

In 2025, we celebrated our 35th anniversary. Three and a half decades in which we played a key role in helping to shape eRecycling in Switzerland. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude: to our dedicated team, who work tirelessly every day to ensure that the SENS recycling system functions reliably. To our Managing Director Pasqual Zopp for his exceptionally competent, prudent and far-sighted management of the organisation. And to my esteemed colleagues on the Board of Trustees for their constructive collaboration. I look forward to achieving even more together.

Kind regards,

Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher

A key focus was on the proactive management of our recycling funds. With a new forecast model for large household appliances as well as an in-depth analysis of the fund for small appliances, we were able to assess financial trends at an early stage and take appropriate steps. The adjustment of the advance recycling contribution as of 1 January 2026 addresses rising disposal costs driven by miniaturisation of devices, which are more labour-intensive to recycle, and declining material recovery yields.

At the same time, we have fcontinued to drive the digitalisation of our processes. Our automated tariff finder tool makes it easier for our customers to fill out their declarations and noticeably reduces the administrative burden. Our completely redesigned website, developed through a user-centred process, provides easier access to information – for individuals and business partners alike. With “The Sound of Circular Economy” and vape recycling campaigns, we drove awareness of reuse, repair and recycling.

We also evolved further as an organisation. The newly structured management team has clearer lines of responsibility, meaning stronger cross-departmental collaboration and better management of key topics.

My special thanks go to our customers and partners – manufacturers, importers, collection points, recyclers and authorities – for the trust they have placed in us and for their constructive collaboration. Together, we will continue to enhance the system and make an effective contribution to the circular economy in Switzerland.

Kind regards,

Pasqual Zopp