Environment Switzerland plans to ban littering from mid-2025 at the earliest
A national ban on careless littering will not be implemented in Switzerland before mid-2025. Legal amendments are required before then.
13.11.2024, 12:14
SDA
Switzerland will not introduce a national ban on littering until mid-2025 at the earliest. The Federal Council has made it clear that the Ordinance on Administrative Fines must first be amended to ensure that the ban is implemented. This amendment is intended to ensure that the introduction of national littering fines runs smoothly. The consultation on this ordinance is scheduled for spring 2025, which means that the ban cannot come into force until then.
The initiative for the litter ban is part of a broader parliamentary bill to promote the circular economy in Switzerland. This bill was passed by the Swiss parliament in March. The Federal Council has decided to bring most of the provisions of this initiative into force from January 1, 2025, while other provisions will follow gradually.
Promoting the circular economy
The circular economy aims to ensure that materials that are no longer needed or used are passed on or recycled in order to minimize waste and use resources efficiently. Wherever it makes sense, waste should be reused and recycled in order to create real added value.
Specific measures in the construction sector and for packaging
In the construction sector, the cantons are instructed to set limits for gray energy in new buildings and major renovations of existing buildings. In addition, the Federal Council will be empowered to formulate requirements for products and packaging in order to support the objectives of the circular economy.
