Recycling in Geneva is on the rise. Genevans recycled 47% of their waste in 2008 up from 37% in 2003. Although the increase is significant, the Canton estimates that 90% of all aluminum and tin cans still wind up in the garbage. We can all contribute to a greener planet with very little effort.

Canton Geneva publishes a guide for waste disposal , however this is only available in French, and although several expat blogs help explain the basics, GenevaLunch is the only one presenting an English version of the guide.

There are several recycling drop-offs located in Geneva’s neighborhoods and communes, where you can recycle the basics: glass bottles divided into white and brown/green, PET bottles, home-use batteries and aluminum. Also, new containers are being added to recycle plastic coffee pods.

PET bottles are labeled as such. Plastic cups and other containers for example are not recyclable and neither are plastic bottles that contained shampoo, vinegar and oil for example.

An easy to follow guide is: if the container held a beverage then check the bottom of the plastic vessel to see whether or not is labeled as a PET product.

The city recommends to compress the bottle and then replace the cap. Compressing the bottle helps maximize storage and makes transportation more efficient.

Aluminum and tin products that can be recycled in Geneva include:

Some aluminum and tin containers that can be recycled

Cans, aluminum foil, yogurt container lids, mayonnaise and other “tubes” used to store products and medicines, aluminum containers, empty sprays and aerosols. Certain pots, colanders and even ski poles can be recycled as well.

Non-recyclable aluminum includes wrappers (cigarettes, butter, coffee,  etc.) and mixed products: aluminum and cardboard or aluminum and plastic.

Organic: The Canton uses recycled organic material for compost, however, some of the townships have special rules.

Organic compost material

You may obtain a special container to gather your organics free from the city of Geneva. All you have to do is go to its offices: 10, rue François-Dussaud, in Acacias, Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 11:30 and from 13:00 to 16:00 and request one.

Similar containers and biodegrable bags are also available in supermarkets. Use of biodegradable bags rests at your discretion as  see-through/clear plastic bags are also allowed by the City, however black plastic bags are prohibited as they can contaminate the material.

Organic waste accepted includes:

• All food products including processed foods and meat products.
• Tea bags and coffee grounds (with paper filters)
• Plants, flowers and soil.
• Animal and human hair.

You may have heard that some of the above organic items are not typically composted, however the City via  its website assures residents that these items can be composted. Remember, cat, or other animal litter, diapers and oils can NOT be put with the rest of the organic material.

Additional information: 0800 22 42 22

Recycle clean paper items

Paper and cardboard: All paper -including glossy magazines- paper, and cardboard,  is recyclable except for paper contaminated with food or other organic material.

The collection is done by building or by street.

Dangerous materials:

Old medicines and thermometers should be returned to drugstores so they can be disposed of properly.

Non-recyclable items

Home use batteries (also known as “piles” in French) can be easily recycled in special containers located in neighborhood recycling centers, supermarkets and electronic stores. They should never be thrown in the garbage.

In addition, around the Canton there are several recycling centers where you may drop off, free of charge, items considered highly contaminant and that should NOT go in the bin. These centers are called ESREC for their acronym in French.

Dangerous items that can be dropped off at Esrec centers include:

• Aerosols and sprays if not empty.
• Long lasting bulbs (regular light bulbs go in the bin).
• Vehicle batteries.
• Toners and ink cartridges (they can also be dropped off in stores that sell these kind of items).
• Used animal or vegetable oils (they can also be put in a container and thrown in the bin).
• Mineral oils (they can also be returned to point of purchase but do not throw them in the bin).
• Paint and solvents.
• Neon and fluorescent lights.

Bon Recycling!

All graphics used in this post are © and courtesy of  the Site officiel de l’Etat de Genève.

Find out what else is up in Geneva through my Twitter channel, subscribe to this blog by using our RSS feed or  receive it by e-mail.

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.