Recycling has long been more than just a term; it has now become a general understanding vis-à-vis the intrinsic value of goods. Since resources on our planet are finite and raw materials can sometimes only be obtained at high cost, it is important to recycle items as comprehensively as possible.
This applies both to rather inexpensive plastics from PET bottles and to rare earths or other raw materials used in old cell phones or computers.
Recycling begins at home
Proper waste separation lays the foundation for recyclable materials to be reused. In this way, a circular economy can be created that leads to less waste being generated.
Switzerland compares very favorably with other countries. Nevertheless, there are still opportunities to improve recycling in individual areas, because after all, around 700 kg of waste is generated per person per year.
Separate the garbage properly: It's that simple
Fortunately, it is quite easy to sort the garbage into different sections, because this is the only way to achieve the highest possible recycling rate.
You will learn how best to proceed in the next sections:
Organic waste: This waste goes into the organic waste garbage can
Many kitchen wastes from natural foods are perfect for the organic waste garbage can. These include coffee grounds, fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and baked goods of all kinds.
So, for example, if a package of cookies has been forgotten in the back of the cupboard, open it before you dispose of it. The cookies belong in the organic waste, while plastics belong in the yellow garbage can. A cardboard outer packaging, on the other hand, you can place in the waste paper container.
Plant parts, soil as well as grass also find a place in the organic waste garbage can.
Tip: If you have your own garden, you can also create a compost pile so that you can recycle the organic waste yourself and obtain nutrient-rich soil from it.
Dispose of plastic and aluminum foils separately
Yogurt cups typically consist of a cup, which is made of plastic, and an aluminum lid. Although both components will find their way to you together, you should dispose of them in separate recycling bins.
For plastics used in packaging, you can use the yellow garbage can. The blue garbage can, on the other hand, is for small metals. In addition to nails, screws and pots, yogurt lids also fall into this category.
Since the production of aluminum and other metal products is very energy-intensive, it is all the more important that these raw materials are recycled in the best possible way. For example, you can also dispose of spray cans in the blue garbage can, provided they are completely empty.
The better the pre-sorting at home works, the lower the later effort for recycling plastic, metal and co. Ultimately, this pays off through lower costs for goods, so de facto also for you as a consumer.
Residual waste for non-recyclable materials
Ideally, the residual waste should be relatively small. Only things that can no longer be recycled should end up here.
These include for example
- Old photos
- Multicomponent articles that cannot be separated
- Heavily soiled packaging
- Hygiene articles for daily use (but not plastic shower gel or shampoo containers)
- Old clothes (which are no longer suitable for a clothing collection)
- Porcelain, ceramic or glass fragments
- Cat litter
This list is by no means exhaustive, but should give you an overview of the possible content.
Separate collections as a core element of good recycling
In addition to regular waste separation, separate collections are held at regular intervals. Thus, it is possible for you to use acceptance points in the vicinity to be able to hand in certain waste.
You can drop off cardboard, paper or bulky goods. For bulky goods, however, there is an additional fee depending on the region. Otherwise, the collection is always free of charge, so you can separate your waste very comprehensively.
Use glass containers for recycling
In addition to residual waste and plastic and cardboard packaging, a comparatively large amount of glass also accumulates as packaging waste. You can use glass containers for disposal. However, these are only intended for the deposit of bottles or glasses.
Light bulbs, window panes as well as other types of glass may not be disposed of there, as the glass used has a different melting point.
In addition, make sure that you put it in the correct glass container. It is particularly important that no stained glass gets into the container for white glass. Just one bottle of green or brown glass can cause 500 bottles of white glass to become discolored and accordingly no longer available for the desired use.
Use recycling centers and sales points
In many areas, whether in Zurich, Bern or Basel, recycling points are available nearby. Especially for the recycling of PET bottles, the return at the retailer is a good option.
You can also return old electrical appliances and batteries free of charge at points of sale. Hazardous waste, on the other hand, can be disposed of at the respective hazardous waste collection point. In Zurich, for easier structuring, you can use the app "Clean Zurich", which you can use free of charge.
Assign tasks to a cleaner
You do not have the time to dispose of the waste yourself and drive to the collection point? These and many other activities around the Cleaning and disposal you can easily connect to a Transfer cleaner. So register now with Suuber to quickly and easily create a Cleaner to book.