Delegated ORDEE enforcement: a proven partnership for credible electronics recycling
Since 2007, Swiss cantons have tasked SENS eRecycling and Swico Recycling with implementing the ORDEE, leveraging over 30 years of expertise in recycling electrical and electronic appliances. Today, ten cantons are already participating in this cooperative model, which pairs government oversight with private-sector expertise.
Based on long-standing expertise
For more than three decades, SENS eRecycling and Swico Recycling have audited recycling and disassembly facilities, visited collection points and continuously supported stakeholders throughout the recycling industry. This specialist knowledge provides the foundation that enables these systems to implement Ordinance on the Return, Taking Back and Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ORDEE) both formally and with substantive competence.
What delegated enforcement of ORDEE entails
In delegated enforcement, the cantons transfer defined supervisory responsibilities to SENS eRecycling and Swico Recycling. The operational implementation – particularly the auditing of recycling and disassembly facilities and of collection points approved under Article 8 of the Waste Movements Ordinance (VeVA) – is thus the responsibility of organisations with proven expertise. However, legal oversight remains with the cantons. The model is a collaborative governance approach that pragmatically blends government regulation, private-sector system responsibility and technical industry expertise.
Advantages for the cantons
This model offers the cantons substantial added value. They can draw on long-standing, extensive expertise from across Switzerland and the EU, which SENS eRecycling and Swico Recycling have acquired through auditing partner companies across Switzerland and maintaining contact with European systems. This allows the cantons to avoid the substantial effort of developing and maintaining expertise, and ensures efficient, consolidated enforcement across Switzerland. The cantons also retain control over the legal framework.
Ten cantons – and a joint meeting every year
To date, ten cantonal environmental agencies have joined the delegated enforcement initiative.
Once a year, all stakeholders convene for a joint meeting. SENS eRecycling and Swico Recycling provide a transparent summary of the past year’s developments, along with an overview of planned projects. The exchange – also among the cantons themselves – is appreciated by all sides and contributes to the ongoing development of the model as well as the recycling of electrical and electronic appliances in Switzerland.
Interested cantons can contact SENS eRecycling or Swico Recycling at any time to arrange a personal meeting.