Swiss returned more than 129,000 tonnes of electronic waste in 2017

Thanks to the Recycling Contribution (VRB) purchased with a PC or TV. The devices are returned for free. In 2017, Swiss citizens returned a little over 129,000 tonnes of electronic waste – about 15 kilograms per capita – as Swico had announced in a press release. About three-quarters of e-waste was for household appliances and light bulbs, with the remainder being computer hardware, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.

The ICT Association works with Swico Recycling, the computer, electronic or communication equipment return system. SENS eRecycling is responsible for the recovery of household appliances and light bulbs.

More appliances, less weight

If more appliances were recycled compared to the previous year, the total weight of Swico decreased in parallel (2016: 137,808 tons ). In the Swico Recycling area, the amount withdrawn increased from 52,362 tonnes to 48,524 tonnes in one year. The association attributes this to the trend towards more efficient and at the same time lighter products. According to Swico, the main driver of this evolution is the change of technology in televisions – they represent a large part of the tonnage. Thus, flat panels significantly lighter than the old CRT TVs are increasingly recycled

Positive result

Swico looks forward to the use of the recycling offer: "The system Swico Recycling voluntary resumption Popular among ICT manufacturers and importers, consumer electronics and office technology. "Last year, 42 companies joined the system and would bring recycling contribution to their devices.

Finally, Swico indicates in the Communiqué that SENS collection points for more and more photovoltaic systems are being returned. The first generation factories would be gradually dismantled and replaced by more modern and efficient factories, writes the association. The recycling figures show that while about 70 tons of PV modules were returned in 2015, they were already 337 tons in 2017.