Swiss recycling: why does cardboard need a string?
Because the collection says so: in Zurich, cardboard must go out folded, bundled and tied with string, at the roadside before 7:00 on collection day, or into a cardboard container. One resident who used a bigger box instead of string paid CHF 270 in fine and fees.
Ep. 35 · This is Ueli · 57 seconds. Watch
The real rule
Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.
Swiss recycling is precise, and cardboard is the classic trap: no string, no collection, and possibly a fine. Each commune has its own day and rules, but folded and tied is the safe default. As a newcomer, buy a roll of string in your first week, and look up your commune's cardboard day.
Blüemli's verdict: Ding. Really. Zurich, 2018: cardboard in a box, no string. Fine and fees: CHF 270.
Be like Ueli. Flat. Tied with string. Out before seven.
Learn more: Swiss rubbish and recycling
The rule, explained
The city of Zurich is precise: cardboard belongs folded, bundled and tied at the roadside or in the cardboard container. Put the bundle out before 7:00 on collection day; the cardboard collection runs once a week. SRF Kassensturz reported in January 2018 on a resident of Zurich's district 3 who put her cardboard into a larger box without string: a fine of 120 francs plus 150 francs in fees, 270 in all. Other communes have their own days and details, so check yours.
Sources: City of Zurich, Kartonsammlung; SRF Kassensturz Espresso, 17 January 2018
Questions people ask
How do you put out cardboard in Zurich?
Folded, bundled and tied with string, at the roadside before 7:00 on collection day, once a week (City of Zurich).
Can you be fined for wrong recycling in Switzerland?
Yes. In Zurich in 2018, cardboard without string cost CHF 120 fine plus CHF 150 fees (SRF).
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