Litter
Many beverage containers as well as fast-food packaging, cigarette ends and other rubbish land on the ground instead of in the rubbish bin. This phenomenon - litter-dropping - gives rise to increased cleaning costs for the cities and upsets the population. Possible solutions are awareness-raising campaigns and financial incentives.
Characteristics and extent of litter-dropping in Switzerland
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A considerable amount of waste is left lying on the ground in public spaces instead of being disposed of in waste bins. The reasons for this litter-dropping are neither the refuse bag charge nor the lack of waste bins, but a change in consumer behaviour. Fast-food packaging, free newspapers and cigarettes are the main constituents of the litter.
Areas of action regarding litter
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Even if the phenomenon of litter-dropping is restricted primarily to the urban centres, that is, it falls under the authority of the communes and cantons, the FOEN has an important role in coordinating and communicating the various packages of measures.
Potential solutions to the problem of litter-dropping
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The litter-dropping problem is primarily restricted to city centres. This requires targeted actions at a local level yet on the other hand it makes it difficult to carry out national measures. In Switzerland various combinations of measures adapted to the local circumstances are being pursued.
