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How does SENS eRecycling finance the proper disposal of heat pumps?
The disposal is financed by the advance recycling contribution (ARC) that end customers pay when purchasing a heat pump. This contribution is paid to SENS eRecycling via manufacturers and installers. SENS coordinates the proper disposal and compensates transporters, recyclers and collection points. The service is free of charge for installers – ARC covers all costs.
How do I become a SENS partner?
You can easily register here as a new customer.
How does the collection system work?
As soon as you are registered as a SENS partner, you can place collection orders using our online portal. A transporter collects the heat pump directly from you or at the location for disassembly – straightforward and throughout Switzerland. Alternatively, disused heat pumps can be handed in free of charge at one of over 630 SENS collection points.
What appliances can be handed in?
The industry solution applies to heat pumps up to 350 kilowatts and heat pump water heaters up to 20 kilowatts – including all appliances that contain coolants.
Is there a minimum quantity for the collection?
No, individual heat pumps can also be collected or dropped off for free.
How must the appliances be prepared for collection?
Heat pumps must be collected separately from other waste materials and placed on a pallet. You can find further guidelines here:
Since when has the industry solution for heat pumps been available?
The solution was launched on 1 July 2023 by SENS eRecycling together with GebäudeKlima Schweiz (GKS) and the Swiss Heat Pump Association (FWS).
Where are the heat pumps recycled?
The appliances are exclusively handed over to certified Swiss recycling companies that hold a SENS licence and are regularly monitored.
Why must heat pumps be disposed of properly?
Just like cooling appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioning units, these devices contain coolants which must be suctioned out before recycling to prevent environmental damage.
Who disposes of the coolant?
It depends on whether the coolant remains in the appliance during the removal of the heat pump or not. If it needs to be removed for the dismantling of the appliance, its disposal is not covered by the SENS recycling system and the coolant cannot be handed over to SENS in this case. If the coolant remains in the appliance, a certified SENS recycling company will take care of the proper extraction and disposal as part of the SENS recycling system.
What substances can be recycled?
On top of the environmentally damaging coolants which recycling companies carefully extract and separately destroy, heat pumps also contain valuable raw materials such as aluminium, iron, copper and plastics which they recycle and reintroduce to the raw materials cycle.
Which importers are connected to the industry solution?
You will find here a list of all ARC partners affiliated with SENS eRecycling.
What happens to old heat pumps that were not yet subject to ARC?
In the SENS recycling system, the financing of disposal is funded through a pay-as-you-go system. This means that today’s recycling contributions also cover the disposal of older appliances – even if no ARC was charged at the time of purchasing. Thus, professional disposal is possible at any time and without any additional costs.