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The standard for heat pump disposal
Over 630 installers already trust SENS eRecycling's industry solution. Together with Building Climate Switzerland and the Swiss Heat Pump Association, we set the standard – nationwide and uncomplicated.
As a SENS eRecycling partner, you can dispose of your heat pumps free of charge and in an environmentally friendly manner thanks to the advance recycling contribution (ARC).
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630+
partner companies nationwide
Since 2023
the industry solution exists
100 %
of costs are financed by the ARC
How the industry disposes today
The industry solution for heat pumps has been the standard for professional and environmentally sound disposal of heat pumps since 2023. Developed in collaboration with Building Climate Switzerland (GKS) and the Swiss Heat Pump Association (FWS), it ensures clean recycling – from collection to recovery.
The industry solution covers heat pumps with a capacity of up to 350 kW and heat pump water heaters with a capacity of up to 20 kW.
Your advantages as an installer
Industry standard
Supported by manufacturers, importers and the trade association.
Professional handling
The refrigerant is professionally extracted by the recycler.
No effort
After your online registration, we organise collection, transport and professional recycling.
No costs
Disposal is financed via the advance recycling contribution (ARC).
Switzerland-wide solution
We organise collection directly from the construction site – nationwide.
Credibility
You demonstrate responsibility towards customers and the environment.
Conserving resources, protecting the environment
Heat pumps contain valuable raw materials such as aluminium, iron, copper and plastics. Our certified recycling companies process these materials and return them to the cycle.
The devices contain – analogous to cooling devices – environmentally harmful refrigerant. SENS eRecycling ensures that the refrigerant is professionally extracted by the recyclers. The heat pumps are only given to Swiss companies with a SENS licence for recovery. The companies are regularly inspected.
Pre-financed by the ARC
Disposal is financed by the advance recycling contribution (ARC), which end customers pay when purchasing a heat pump. This contribution flows via manufacturers and installers to SENS eRecycling.
SENS coordinates professional disposal and compensates collection, transport and recovery. For you as an installer, the disposal is free of charge – the ARC covers all costs.
Documents for download
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.