Correct disposal of e-cigarettes

Sales of e-cigarettes have increased significantly in Switzerland over the last few years. In 2022, around 10 million were imported into Switzerland. Most of them end up as waste instead of being recycled, even though e-cigarettes are electrical appliances that must be disposed of properly. In addition to many recyclable materials that can be recovered, e-cigarettes also contain lithium-ion batteries, which can be highly flammable if handled improperly. The environment is protected from heavy metals when such batteries are recycled.

Consumers can easily return used e-cigarettes to any e-cigarette sales outlet – free of charge. As electrical appliances, e-cigarettes are subject to the Ordinance on the Return, Taking Back and Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ORDEE). Accordingly, manufacturers, importers and retailers in Switzerland are obliged by law to take back all types of disused e-cigarettes.

This means that you can return an e-cigarette free of charge wherever you can buy one – regardless of whether you bought it there or will be buying a new one. Alternatively, you can return empty vapes to any collection point.

Recycle your vapes and return your used e-cigarettes to the sales outlet or collection point. In this way, you ensure that the risk of fires is reduced, recyclable materials are recycled and no hazardous substances are released into the environment.