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Waste Handling in Switzerland can take considerable mind space for the uninitiated. But once you get the hang of it, you'll realize it's not that complicated, and more than that you will feel good about being an environmentally conscious citizen. The more you re-use/re-cycle, the better for the environment and the cheaper for you.
Waste Handling in Switzerland can take considerable mind space for the uninitiated. But once you get the hang of it, you'll realize it's not that complicated, and more than that you will feel good about being an environmentally conscious citizen. The more you re-use/re-cycle, the better for the environment and the cheaper for you.
GARBAGE BAGS
GARBAGE BAGS
One of the first things we need to adapt to is how garbage bags are unique here.
The Swiss tax collection of household garbage has a “pay per use” tax.
In the canton of Baselstadt you must buy special taxed garbage bags for disposal of ordinary household garbage. Those bags, called Bebbi-Säcke, are blue and come in 3 different sizes (17l, 35l and 60l). They are sold in any major grocery store, but you might have to ask for them from the cashier.
In the canton of Baselland depending on which gemeinde you live in you either have you to buy the the Bebbi-Säcke (each Gemeinde has its own color) or purchase vouchers/stickers called Abfall Vignettes, from various outlets. Your local pharmacies would definitely have them. The couchers/stickers need to be clearly affixed to bags purchased specifically for the disposal of waste. The stickers are particular to each Gemeinde.
The garbage bags must only be thrown out in designated areas as specified by your Gemeinde.
WASTE CALENDAR
WASTE CALENDAR
Make sure you get your hand at the waste calendar for your area. The waste calendar gives you important information about collecting dates and other useful information connected to everyday waste handling.
If you are in Baselstadt, you can use the website to find your zone and the waste disposal plan. The website is written in German. Type the name of your street in the yellow box “Strasse” and the number of your house in the yellow box “Hausnummer” and you will be given the correct zone. Then check this zone's calendar, “Abfuhrplan”.
In Baselland, each Gemeinde in the canton of Baselland has its own calendar with collecting dates and additional information. Check the sustainability website by ISB and scroll down to the Waste Disposal in Greater Basel region to find a lot of useful information.
RECYCLING
RECYCLING
Recycling points in the city
Sammelsack
There is a lot of packaging and waste that shall be recycled. Depending on where you live, some items will be picked up from your house monthly (e.g. paper and carton) while you need to bring others to a collection point.
In any grocery store like Aldi, Coop and Migros there are collecting points for empty PET bottles and other plastic bottles (e.g. empty bottles of shampoo, milk). Some stores also collect aluminum coffee capsules, batteries and corks among other things.
Glass and packaging made of aluminum (such as beverage cans, tubes, lids) shall be left in designated recycling points around the city (picture on the left), and in BL you will also find these points of also bigger recycling centers where you can take all your recycling and disposal waste.
Paper (like newspapers, magazines) and carton/cardboard are to be recycled. Depending on which Gemeinde you live in, the paper and carton/cardboard is either collected once a month at your house or you can bring it yourself to the recycling center.
Inhabitants of the Basel region are encouraged to recycle plastic packaging waste by using a special bag, called Sammelsack. The Sammelsacks can be bought at the larger recycling/collection points. You can check out this fun and informative Sammelsack video made by our own little green warriors at ISB to know more.
When you are on the go common recycling stations for PET, aluminium and paper are placed at train stations.
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE DISPOSAL
Disposal guidelines for some non-frequent household waste.
Medicine - shall be returned to the pharmacy.
Electric equipment - bring the appliance to any store where similar appliances are sold.
Batteries - battery disposal points can be found in most grocery stores and at recycling points.
Chemicals - shall not be put in the garbage, sink or toilet. Contact the local Gemeinde for details.
Clothing - there are bins located throughout the Basel region.
Garden waste - Contact the local Gemeinde for details.
Kitchen/organic waste - The Gemeinde are encouraging the inhabitants to compost any organic waste. For the green bin (meant for your kitchen/organic/garden) waste collection check your waste calendar. There are also some local composting programmes organised by independent groups or communities depending where you live.
RECYCLING & DISPOSAL POINTS/PARKS
RECYCLING & DISPOSAL POINTS/PARKS
There are plenty of recycling points throughout the Basel region. The recycling points can only be used at set times. Please check the exact time at each recycling point. Please find the location of the recycling/collecting points by using this website:
https://recycling-map.ch/en/ You can also download the app to your phone.
Please find the locations for buying and disposing of sammelsacks by using the Sammelsack website. It’s written in German. Simply type your postal code in the white box “Ihr Standort” and hit the green button “Suchkriterien anwenden” and the nearest locations will be displayed on the map.
ABONNEMENT RECYCLING SERVICE
ABONNEMENT RECYCLING SERVICE
There are two paid services that pick up your recyclables under an abonnement system. The advantage is that you can mix different recyclables in the same bag and that you are supporting a social project by using any of these two services: Mr. Green, Eco House Recycling.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Do not hesitate to reach out! Check out our website or email us at CA Sustainability Team.
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