English
Foreword

A record year for eRecycling: high volumes, strong environmental performance, new regulatory framework

In 2025, the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment processed by our two recycling systems – SENS eRecycling and Swico Recycling – exceeded the 140,000-tonne mark for the first time. This represents an increase of 6% compared to the previous year. Also in 2025, Parliament established a new legal basis for the reuse of waste electrical equipment (WEEE), while we generated important momentum in the circular economy by means of numerous projects.

For the first time, we systematically examined the occurrence, concentration and risks associated with PFAS in recycling fractions, conducted successful batch trials to determine the recycling rates for e‑cigarettes and tested new processes for photovoltaic recycling. We also launched various pilot projects focused on preparing waste electrical and electronic appliances (WEEE) for reuse, with the aim of extending their useful life and further reducing their environmental impact. With the revision of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) in early 2025, Parliament established the necessary legal basis for these initiatives in Switzerland.

The figures in the life cycle assessment – jointly presented by SENS eRecycling and Swico Recycling for the first time this year – demonstrate the effectiveness of our measures: for 2025, our two recycling systems show a combined environmental benefit of 1,400 billion EIP (environmental impact points) or 236,600 tonnes of CO₂eq. By simply collecting and reprocessing waste electrical equipment – and properly removing the pollutants it contains – we have reduced Switzerland’s annual environmental impact by a full 1%. This is a remarkable result for a single measure and underlines the importance of our systems for the Swiss circular economy.

In the coming years, material reuse and securing strategic raw materials will gain importance in the eRecycling sector throughout Europe. In addition to consistently aligning our processes with the new regulatory framework, we will also need to consolidate our market position. At the same time, we aim to increase the transparency of material flows further, enhance our data pool and continue to drive innovation – including the development of commercially viable reuse models. A look at Europe reveals that the challenges are significant, but not insurmountable, and they also offer opportunities. We intend specifically to exploit these, together with our partners.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all our partners for your trust and hope you enjoy reading our technical report.

Performance

Electrical and electronic equipment recycling makes a measurable contribution to protecting the environment and conserving resources. Clearly reported key figures, processed volumes and the environmental benefits achieved provide transparent insight into the performance of SENS eRecycling and Swico Recycling and demonstrate the impact of two of the world's leading recycling systems for electrical and electronic equipment.

Developments

New technologies, changing compositions of electrical and electronic equipment, critical substances and evolving regulatory requirements are continuously reshaping the demands placed on recycling. At the same time, innovation and new insights provide the foundation for optimising processes, advancing recycling and actively contributing to the circular economy.
A comparison between the Swiss and European WEEE recycling systems

Similarities and differences in WEEE recycling

Switzerland isn’t part of the European Union and, despite great similarities with the European framework, the country has its own legal, institutional and technical system for the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This specific framework has led Switzerland to develop its own technical requirements and methodology for audits, as well as for conducting and evaluating batch tests.
16.06.2026
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Recycling of photovoltaic modules in Switzerland

Trends in material flows and a new partner using a pyrolysis process

The number of photovoltaic modules collected and processed in Switzerland is rising rapidly. Collection and processing have been organised operationally since 2013 through a partnership between SENS eRecycling and Swissolar. Since 2025, the system has been expanded to include a new partner recycling facility, whose innovative process incorporates a pyrolysis step that enables the recovery of high-quality materials.
15.06.2026
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Recycling of cables

More than “just” copper

In recent years, the Technical Commission (TK) SENS/Swico has focused on recycling cables recovered from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This created a more differentiated perspective than the previous approach, according to which cables consist only of materially recycled copper and energetically recovered plastics. Recent findings indicate that both material composition and recycling methods should be evaluated using a more multifaceted approach.
01.06.2026
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Stakeholders: services and perspectives

Perspectives from different stakeholder groups

For over 30 years, Swico Recycling and SENS eRecycling have played a defining role in the take-back system for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Switzerland. As voluntary industry organisations, they have established a nationwide collection network, set quality standards, and created a reliable disposal infrastructure. Six stakeholder groups were asked for their assessment.
01.06.2026
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Focus: Preparing for Reuse

The reuse of electrical and electronic equipment is a key element of the circular economy and is becoming increasingly important across society, politics and business. Unlocking its full potential requires clear framework conditions, sound knowledge and practical experience. Legislative developments, expert perspectives and pilot projects demonstrate how ReUse and preparing products for reuse can be further advanced.
Regulatory transformation

New global and national frameworks for the circular economy

The years 2025 and 2026 mark a turning point in the regulation of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Recent developments – including the tightening of the Basel Convention, the announced “EU Circular Economy Act” and the revision of the Swiss Environmental Protection Act – require recycling systems, recycling facilities and auditors to make fundamental changes to their processes.
01.06.2026
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SENS/Swico Technical Commission

Expert knowledge is built through collaboration. The SENS/Swico Technical Commission brings together expertise from across the sector, monitors current developments and drives the ongoing advancement of recycling. A review of the past year together with profiles of the authors provides an insight into this collaborative work.