The taxed rubbish bag, and why your neighbours notice

In most cantons, general household rubbish has to go in an official taxed bag (Züri-Sack, taxe au sac). A 35-litre bag costs around CHF 2. Anything else and your rubbish will be opened, traced back to you, and fined.

Everything recyclable is free: paper, cardboard, PET bottles, aluminium, glass (three colours), batteries, electronics. Bring them to the neighbourhood collection point or the supermarket.

Compost bins (Bioabfall) exist in most buildings. Ask your caretaker (Hauswart / concierge) where. Glass and noisy recycling only during weekday daytime hours. Sunday silence is real.