Types of waste
The term “biodegradable waste” refers to waste originating from plants, animals or microbial activity. It includes many types of waste that affect different economic areas and industries such as agriculture, the food industry, private consumption and energy production. This broad range shows that the term “biodegradable waste” to is relevant to numerous activities and a similar number of stakeholders.
On the following pages we present some useful information on the current status of biodegradable waste recovery in Switzerland and the processes and stakeholders involved.
Organic waste from industry and commerce
Further information
Green waste
Green waste consists mainly of plant waste originating in communities, private house-holds and agriculture. Green waste includes, for example, cuttings from trees, bushes and lawns or waste resulting from roadside and park maintenance.
Agricultural waste
Agricultural waste is waste arising from crop-growing or livestock farming in agricultural holdings.
Effluent sludge
Effluent sludge is produced during the treatment of waste water in waste water treatment plants. Effluent sludge contains plant nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, but also some heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, copper and zinc.
Wood waste
Wood waste forms the largest proportion of organic waste in Switzerland at around 40 percent.
Organic waste from industry and commerce
Several types of organic waste are produced within industry and commerce. They include residues from the food processing industry, waste from the catering trade as well as animal by-products and meat-processing waste.