Switzerland supports the development of a comprehensive, coherent, effective and efficient international regime for waste management, as well as improved co-operation with the private sector. Existing regulatory gaps should be closed.
1. Basel Convention
Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. It aims is to ensure environmentally sound waste management and the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes worldwide.
2. Public Private Partnerships: Partnership for sound management of used electronic equipment and e-waste
In 2022 Switzerland launched the Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative (MPPI) under the Basel Convention to promote the sound management of used mobile phones. Voluntary guidelines on sound management have been drawn up in close cooperation with many countries, the mobile phone manufacturers, network operators, recycling companies and NGOs.
The success of this initiative led to the launch in 2006 of its counterpart for used computers and accessories, and then in 2019 for TV screens, video equipment, refrigerators and cooling and heating equipment. Specific guidelines for all stages of waste management and recycling now exist or are currently being drawn up.
3. Ongoing negotiations on an agreement to end plastic pollution
There is currently no adequate international legal framework to deal with environmental pollution caused by plastics. For this reason, in March 2022 the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a resolution (5/14) in favour of creating an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. At its meeting on 31 August 2022, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's involvement in international negotiations to draw up the convention.
Switzerland is in favour of an effective treaty that protects humans health and the environment from plastic pollution and promotes a circular economy. It should be based on a comprehensive approach and include legally binding measures that apply globally across the entire life cycle of plastics. Switzerland is also a member of a coalition of countries that is committed to ensuring that no more plastics are released into the environment by 2040.
Further information
Last modification 20.06.2025
