How do the Swiss recycle? | Separating your recycling | How does it compare to the US?

Summary

This video explains how recycling works in Zurich, Switzerland, from the perspective of a family who recently moved from the U.S. It covers the unique trash bag system, the strict separation of paper, plastics, glass, and metal, as well as special recycling for items like CDs, coffee capsules, and batteries. The speaker highlights Swiss recycling rules, such as no recycling on Sundays, and compares Swiss recycling rates (51%) to those in the U.S. (35%). Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, the video showcases Switzerland’s organized, environmentally-conscious approach, emphasizing efficiency, cleanliness, and responsible waste management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Switzerland uses a pay-per-bag system for trash (ZuriSacks), encouraging less waste.
• 😀 Swiss recycling rates are high, with 51% of household waste recycled compared to 35% in the U.S.
• 😀 Paper recycling in Zurich requires rolling and tying paper, then leaving it on the sidewalk on designated collection days.
• 😀 Cardboard collection happens only every four weeks, and missing it can lead to pileups.
• 😀 Plastic items must be separated by type, such as PET bottles and milk bottles, according to symbols.
• 😀 Other items like CDs, coffee capsules, Tupperware, and batteries can also be recycled.
• 😀 Glass recycling is strict, requiring separation by color: brown, white, and green (sometimes blue/red).
• 😀 Metal items also need to be sorted into different categories at recycling centers.
• 😀 Recycling is not allowed on Sundays due to noise concerns and Swiss rules for quiet Sundays.
• 😀 Swiss recycling is organized and detailed to prevent contamination, unlike mixed recycling in the U.S., which often ends up in landfills.

Q & A

Why are trash bags in Zurich so expensive?

Trash bags in Zurich are expensive, costing about 2 francs each, because the Swiss system is designed to encourage people to generate less waste and recycle more. The cost acts as an incentive to reduce trash production.

How does Switzerland's household recycling rate compare to the United States?

Switzerland recycles about 51% of household waste, ranking it sixth in the world, while the United States only recycles around 35% of household waste.

What is unique about paper recycling in Zurich?

In Zurich, paper recycling requires residents to roll up the paper, tie it with string, and leave it on the sidewalk on specific paper collection days, which occur only every four weeks.

How is plastic recycling different in Switzerland compared to the U.S.?

In Switzerland, plastics must be sorted by type, such as separating large containers from milk bottles, whereas in the U.S., many plastics can simply go into a single blue recycling bin.

What other items, besides typical recyclables, can be recycled in Zurich?

In Zurich, you can also recycle items like CDs, coffee capsules, Tupperware, and batteries, which cannot normally be thrown in regular trash bins.

How is glass sorted for recycling in Switzerland?

Glass must be separated by color: brown glass, white glass, and green glass. Some other colors like blue and red can also be used, but green is the default for items that don’t fit other categories.

Why is there no recycling on Sundays in Switzerland?

Recycling is not allowed on Sundays because the process can be very loud, especially when handling glass, and Swiss law also restricts other noisy activities like laundry and vacuuming on that day.

What are the benefits of Switzerland’s detailed recycling system?

The Swiss system reduces contamination in recycling, encourages careful sorting, and promotes environmental responsibility, resulting in a higher recycling rate compared to countries with less strict systems.

Why do Swiss residents have to go to recycling centers instead of just using a single bin?

Swiss recycling requires precise sorting of materials like plastics, metals, and glass to prevent contamination. Centralized recycling centers help manage this process efficiently.

What tools does Zurich provide to help residents keep track of recycling schedules?

Zurich offers a mobile app that helps residents keep track of recycling and collection days for different materials, making the complex system easier to follow.

How did the narrator’s family initially react to the Swiss recycling system?

The narrator’s family, coming from the U.S., found the Swiss recycling system complicated and were surprised by the cost of trash bags and the strict sorting rules.

What is the role of food waste bins in Switzerland?

Food waste bins are used to separate organic waste from other household trash, which helps in composting and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.