Waste disposal methods
Waste should be avoided wherever possible. If this is not possible, it should be reused or recycled. In the waste hierarchy, Swiss environmental legislation prioritises waste preparation for reuse and material recovery, provided that this is technically possible, economically viable and more environmentally friendly than other forms of disposal. Recycling is the most common method of waste disposal in Switzerland. Combustible waste that cannot be recycled is used to produce energy, for example in waste incineration plants, where the heat generated is used for district heating and electricity. Non-combustible waste is disposed of in a controlled manner in landfill after undergoing any necessary treatment. Landfilling, however, should be kept to a minimum so that raw materials remain in the circular economy for as long as possible. It is important to use the waste disposal method that has the least environmental impact.
In Switzerland, different disposal methods are used depending on the type of waste. Preparation for reuse involves treatment steps such as cleaning, repairing and checking, to turn waste into functional products again. Material recovery (recycling) involves converting waste into secondary raw materials, such as metals from electronic waste or phosphorus from sewage sludge. This also includes the fermentation of biogenic waste. Combustible waste that cannot be recycled is used to generate energy, for example in waste incineration plants and cement works. For waste contaminated with pollutants, special thermal processes are used. Emissions from these plants are greatly reduced by modern flue gas cleaning systems. The aim of both chemical-physical and biological waste treatment is to remove pollutants or to ensure that waste can be disposed of safely. Landfills are then used to safely dispose of stable, inert residues. Waste that is not suitable for material or energy recovery or residues from waste incineration is disposed of in landfills that comply with strict legal requirements regarding environmental impact.
A functioning waste management system requires proper organisation of collection and logistics. Waste is collected separately and, if necessary, stored temporarily before being sent to waste disposal companies for recycling. For hazardous waste, special regulations and documentation requirements apply in accordance with the Waste Movements Ordinance. The efficiency of the Swiss waste management system is based on a combination of technical infrastructure, clear legislation and the commitment of all those involved in the waste disposal process.
Further information
Preparation for reuse
Preparation for reuse is a recovery operation that consists of all steps necessary to make an item classified as waste usable again for its original purpose, such as testing, cleaning, repair and reprocessing.
Material recovery (recycling)
The recycling sector is a specialised sector that recovers products and raw materials from waste and reintroduces them into the production cycle. Bulk waste is recycled for the most part in Switzerland. If there are no suitable domestic recycling plants (e.g. non-ferrous metallurgy), the recycling is carried out abroad.
Energy recovery
Combustible waste from households or wood waste that is not suitable for reuse or recycling is burnt to recover energy in municipal waste incineration plants, cement works or other thermal plants. The heat released is used to generate electricity and heat buildings.
Chemical-physical and biological treatment
Chemical-physical processes strip waste of pollutants and enable is safe landfilling. Biological processes transform pollutants into harmless products with the help of microorganisms or plants.
Landfills
Residues from waste or from waste incineration that are not suitable for material or energy recycling are deposited in authorised landfills. If the waste does not fulfil the conditions required for deposit, then it must be treated in an appropriate way.