Compilation methods for some of the waste statistics published by the FOEN.
Calculation method for the recycling rate of beverage containers
The Ordinance on Beverage Containers (BCO) of 5 July 2000 sets out a minimum recycling rate of 75% for glass, PET and aluminium beverage containers. If this recycling rate is not attained, the DETEC may introduce a deposit.
The recycling rate of a given container material is the percentage of the containers recycled in a calendar year compared to the total weight of the non-returnable containers manufactured from this material and used in Switzerland.
The recycling rate for beverage containers is published every year on the FOEN website.
Detailed information on calculating the recycling rate of glass, pet and aluminium beverage containers can be found in the fact sheets.
Fact sheet: Calculating the recycling rate of used glass bottles (PDF, 454 kB, 29.12.2022)(in German, French and Italian)
Notes on the methodology of statistics for special waste and other waste subject to control
In accordance with Article 42 of the Ordinance on Movement of Waste (OMW), the FOEN publishes statistics annually on the disposal of special waste and periodically on the disposal of other waste subject to control.
Special waste and other waste subject to control are marked in the DETEC Ordinance on lists relating to Movements of Waste with "S" or "ak". Disposal facilities in Switzerland must report receiving special waste and other waste subject to control to the FOEN and the canton authority (Art. 12 OMW). Exporters and importers of waste requiring notification must give the Swiss customs authorities a copy of the movement document which the customs authorities then pass to the FOEN. Aside from special waste and other waste subject to control, further types of waste that are subject to notification in transboundary movements include waste from the amber list of the OECD Decision (e.g. household waste) or waste that is not explicitly listed on the green list of the OECD Decision (e.g. unpolluted excavation material).
These reports serve the enforcement agencies as a basis for checking the movement of special waste and other waste subject to control both within Switzerland and in transboundary movements of waste. The FOEN uses the same data to compile statistics on the disposal of both special waste and other waste subject to control. The methods used in compiling the statistics are explained below:
Last modification 29.12.2022
