Recycling & Waste Sorting in Switzerland: What Goes Where, Where to Take It, and Fines to Avoid

1. How the System Works (and Why Bags Cost Money)

Switzerland uses a “polluter pays” approach. Most communes sell official rubbish bags (Gebührensäcke) or stickers that include the disposal fee — so you pay for what you throw away. Sorted recycling streams are generally free.

• Rules vary by commune. Search your town’s site for Abfallkalender or “Entsorgung”.
• Sorting is mandatory. Inspectors may open bags after incidents; incorrect sorting can result in fines.
• Bring‑in points exist at supermarkets, street corners, and municipal recycling yards.

National overview: ch.ch — Waste & recycling.

2. Household Trash — Official Bags and Stickers

• Buy official bags at Coop, Migros, Denner, kiosks, or your commune office. Some regions sell stickers for generic bags.
• Sizes commonly range from 17–60 L. Don’t overfill; tie securely.
• Drop in your building’s container or at curbside pickup on the scheduled day.
• Never include glass, PET, paper/cardboard, batteries, electronics, or chemicals.

Tip: Search “Gebührensack + your commune” to find local retailers and prices.

3. Paper & Cardboard

• Paper: stack clean paper/newspapers and tie with string. Exclude coated/laminated paper, pizza boxes, and foil gift wrap.
• Cardboard: flatten and tie separately; remove excess tape when possible.
• Many communes alternate paper and cardboard weeks; otherwise use bring‑in containers or the recycling yard.

4. Glass, Aluminum & Tin

• Sort glass by color (white/clear, brown, green). Remove caps; a light rinse helps.
• Aluminum and tin usually share the metal container.
• Respect quiet hours (noisy glass on Sundays/evenings is often prohibited — check signage at the container).

Aluminum program: IGORA.

5. PET Bottles

• Only drink bottles with the PET symbol. Oil/cleaner bottles are not PET return.
• Return at supermarket PET slots (Coop, Migros, Denner, Aldi, Lidl). Follow local instructions on caps/flattening.
• When in doubt, check: PET Recycling Schweiz.

6. Electronics & Appliances (Free Take‑Back)

• Switzerland charges an advance recycling fee; retailers must accept old devices for free.
• Drop at electronics stores (Interdiscount, MediaMarkt, Fust) or your municipal yard.
• Programs: SENS eRecycling (appliances) and SWICO (IT/consumer electronics).

7. Batteries & Lamps

• Return all batteries (AA/AAA, button, rechargeable) at supermarkets, DIY stores, or pharmacies.
• Bring fluorescent tubes/LEDs to electronics retailers or recycling yards; avoid breaking them.
• Never put batteries or lamps in household trash.

8. Organic/Green Waste

• Many communes offer a green bin for kitchen scraps and garden waste; others require bring‑in.
• Accepted: fruit/veg scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, garden clippings.
• Not accepted (varies): plastics, glass, large bones. Compostable bags only if your commune allows them.

9. Hazardous Waste (Sonderabfall)

• Examples: paint, solvents, chemicals, poisons, certain cleaners.
• Use special collection days or the hazardous counter at the recycling yard.
• Check your commune’s schedule (often downloadable as a calendar).

10. Textiles & Re‑use

• Donate wearable items at Texaid or Caritas containers.
• Sell or give away via Ricardo, Tutti.ch, or local Facebook groups.
• Unwearable textiles: some centers accept them separately; otherwise follow local guidance.

11. Avoiding Fines

• Use official bags or stickers where required.
• Don’t mix recyclables into household trash.
• Respect quiet hours for glass.
• Put bags out only on the correct day/time; use tidy, tied bundles for paper/cardboard.

Tip: Your building caretaker (Hauswart) or commune hotline can quickly clarify local rules.

FAQs

Q1: Where do I find pickup days?
Search your commune website for Abfallkalender or “Entsorgung”. Many cities offer calendar downloads or apps.

Q2: Can I use any rubbish bag?
In most cities you must use official fee bags or stickers; rural rules may differ.

Q3: Are PET and glass open on Sundays?
Collection points are open but glass disposal is often restricted by quiet hours. Always check container signage.

Q4: Is e‑waste really free to return?
Yes — the advance recycling fee is included in purchase prices. See SENS/SWICO programs.

Q5: Can I recycle all plastics?
Only PET bottles are universal. Mixed plastic collection exists in some communes/supermarkets (often paid).