What Happens to Your Waste After It Has Been Collected?
Ever wondered where your waste goes after pickup? Discover the three main destinations in Switzerland: recycling centers, incineration facilities, and landfills.
Recycling collection points are numerous in Switzerland and can be found on recycling-map.ch. Selective and rigorous collection is essential for waste valorization. Let us explore the three main destinations for your waste: recycling centers, incineration facilities, and landfills.
Recycling Centers
Common recyclable materials include aluminum, glass, PET, paper, and cardboard, as well as construction waste such as clean wood, metals, organic waste, plaster, and insulation materials.
Specific organizations manage each material stream:
- IGORA cooperative: aluminum recycling
- ATAG: glass beverage containers
- Pet-Recycling Schweiz: PET bottles
- SENS eRecycling Foundation: electrical and electronic waste
Metals are recycled in foundries and steel mills. Organic waste undergoes composting or fermentation for reintegration into the soil. Specialty materials like plaster have limited recycling centers.
Incineration Centers
All household waste, bulky waste, and treated wood are incinerated. These UIOM facilities are heavily regulated and produce minimal harmful emissions. The energy generated is converted into district heating or electricity and supplied to the public grid.