One system – many industries and equipment types

Founded in 1990 as an industry solution for refrigerators, SENS eRecycling today offers a comprehensive recycling system for numerous types of electrical and electronic equipment.

Sens eRecycling

Refrigerators and large household appliances

Together with the Swiss Professional Association for Electrical Appliances (FEA), SENS eRecycling developed a solution for the environmentally friendly and cost-efficient disposal of refrigerators over 35 years ago. It applies to all types of refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers and room-air treatment units with a maximum weight of 250 kilograms. Other large household appliances such as ovens, washing machines and dishwashers have been added over time. On average, 83 per cent of refrigerator components can be reused, and around 73% of other large household appliances.

Sens eRecycling

Small household appliances

Following the success with large aplliances, the system was expanded to small household appliances. The FEA and SENS eRecycling developed their solution further and included all equipment from the household and commercial sectors. On average, 64% of the components of small electrical appliances can be reused.

Sens eRecycling

Lighting equipment and lamps

Together with the Swiss Light Recycling Foundation (SLRS), SENS eRecycling introduced an industry solution for the environmentally friendly and cost-efficient disposal of lighting equipment and lamps in 2005. In 2021, SLRS and SENS eRecycling merged to create a single point of contact for the industry under the name SENS eRecycling. The solution encompasses all types of lamps – with and without batteries – as well as lighting equipment. Incandescent lamps and halogen lamps do not fall within the scope of the industry solution. They do not contain any hazardous substances and can be disposed of in the general waste.

Sens eRecycling

Toys

From electric train sets, remote-controlled cars and drones to tiptoi pens and talking dolls and stuffed animals, we often fail to realise just how many toys are powered electrically. Together with the Swiss Toy Association (SVS), SENS eRecycling has developed a solution for the environmentally friendly and cost-efficient disposal of all types of electrical toys.

Sens eRecycling

Photovoltaics

Together with Swissolar, the umbrella association for solar energy, SENS eRecycling introduced an industry solution for the environmentally friendly and cost-efficient disposal of photovoltaics in 2013. The solution covers all types of photovoltaic modules and their components. Over 75 per cent of a PV module can now be recycled in nearby countries thanks to innovative and high-performance processing and sorting techniques, multi-stage recycling processes and strict quality controls.

Sens eRecycling

Heat pumps

Together with GebäudeKlima Schweiz (GKS) and the Swiss Professional Association for Heat Pumps (FWS), SENS eRecycling introduced an industry solution for the environmentally friendly and cost-efficient disposal of heat pumps with an output up to 350 kW and heat pump water heaters up to 20 kW. It is financed through an advance recycling contribution (ARC).

Sens eRecycling

E-cigarettes

Together with the Swiss Vape Trade Association (SVTA), SENS eRecycling introduced an industry solution for the environmentally friendly and cost-efficient disposal of e-cigarettes in 2023. As the consumption of e-cigarettes rose, these devices were often disposed of as general waste instead of being recycled, which represented a serious problem. Thanks to the introduction of Vape Recycling Bags, SENS eRecycling now offers both retailers and consumers an easy way to dispose of e-cigarettes in an environmentally friendly manner throughout Switzerland.
Sens eRecycling

Electromobility

SENS eRecycling and the Swiss association of independent car dealers (VFAS) launched the VFAS industry solution on 1 January 2022. It provides a method for exempting members from the obligation to pay fees and creates a standardised process for the collection, transport and recycling of industrial and vehicle batteries. The VFAS industry solution covers industrial and vehicle batteries that are manufactured or imported into Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein in accordance with the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem). The VFAS industry solution meets the criteria required by law and offers its members the opportunity to work towards strengthening the Swiss circular economy by closing cycles through recycling or second-life applications.

Sens eRecycling

Welding equipment

SENS eRecycling and Swissmem, the leading association for SMEs and large companies in the Swiss tech industry, launched a joint industry solution in 2012. Members of the scheme benefit from the environmentally friendly and cost-efficient disposal of welding equipment. It applies to all types of welding and cutting equipment up to a weight of 400 kilograms.

SENS eRecycling
Obstgartenstrasse 28
8006 Zürich 

+41 43 255 20 00 
info@sens.ch

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