Switzerland - clean image tarnished by growing litter problem

Fines, prevention and easier disposal have been proposed at a conference in Olten to ease Switzerland‘‘s growing litter problem. Experts pinpoint the cause of problem as a change in public behaviour. The clean image of the Swiss could soon be a thing of the past. Experts state that there is more rubbish than ever on the streets. The figures are indisputable: in Zurich, more than double the amount of waste, 7,929 tonnes, was collected last year than in 1998. According to Alex Bukowiecki, CEO of the Trade Organisation for Waste Disposal and Street Maintenance (FES), in Swiss municipalities with more than 10,000 inhabitants, street cleaning is costing a total of 500 million CHF (EUR326 m) every year.

Waste experts attribute the sustained growth in waste to a change in citizens‘‘ behaviour. There are more organised outdoor events and activities taking place than ever before, while more people are choosing to spend time outside. Furthermore, the way in which people are being brought up is changing.

Intense cleaning, more efficient street cleaning vehicles and general information campaigns have been used in the past to little effect, say the experts. Higher fines for littering culprits, greater responsibility to be taken by takeaway and fast food outlets, and targeted information about how to keep the environment litter-free must be used in order to solve the problem. According to Professor Ralph Hansmann from the ETH in Zürich, the Swiss are a generally a very environmentally-conscious nation. However, littering has become a big problem. Hansmann is researching the psychological reasons for littering. The main motive for such behaviour, he believes, is laziness. Many people will look to dispose of waste in the easiest way possible.

Another factor which influences individual behaviour is badly littered an area is. Many cases have also shown that young people and men are more likely to drop litter in open places.