More and more waste is being separated and recycled, and less rubbish is being burnt or dumped. In Switzerland it is illegal to burn rubbish outdoors (there are a few exceptions to this rule). Everything you need to know and do in regard to waste disposal and recycling of glass, aluminium, steel, batteries, PET bottles et cetera you find on this Recycling Map.

Houshold waste

In most places in Switzerland, household rubbish disposal and collection is charged for. Household refuse (except dangerous and cumbersome items, batteries, sofas, electrical appliances etc.) in theory, is only to be collected if it is in bags which either have a payment sticker attached, or in official bags with the surcharge paid when the bags are purchased at the cash register of several stores (e.g. coop and Migros).

In Zurich they are called Züri-Säcke. Their volumes are 17, 35, 60 or 110 liter.

A guide to waste

Please find the information on the disposal of a wide variety of waste materials here.

Zurich

The garbage bags will be picked up once two twice per week. If you live in Zurich you can check the day of the removal of your garbage bags in this personal garbage calendar of Zurich.