Waste Management in Switzerland: You Waste, You Pay

According to BBC News, Switzerland is proud of its recycling efforts, as many refuse to throw anything away. Unlike the rest of Europe who only recycle 20-40% of their plastic bottles, Switzerland manages to stay on top with 80%. They have systems in place so that people can recycle with ease, such as bottle banks at every supermarket. Each glass bank has seperate slots for clear, brown, and green bottles, making the process simple and efficient. Other recycling procedures are like those of Vancouver, where materials like paper, cardboard, and garden waste can be put curbside to be collected on a regular basis.

So what makes Switzlerland stand out from the rest?

Well unlike other places, Switzerland actually charges for those who waste. Those who put out trash bags have to put a sticker on it, and each sticker costs at least one Euro. And if they don’t put a sticker on it, it doesn’t get picked up. This encourages people to recycle (which is free!) and gives people an incentive not to waste. Can you imagine people paying to trash in Vancouver? We would make millions….

(Image: www.swissworld.org)