Switzerland

Abstract

In Switzerland construction waste management is dealt with under regulations and guidelines based on the Environmental Protection Law. The legislation requires that waste is avoided or - if that is not possible - reused. Authorities can prescribe the reuse of waste if this is ecologically and economically reasonable. Standards regulate the waste management on building sites and the use of recycled material in construction. Approximately 11.1 million tons of construction waste is generated per year - excluding excavated earth. 84% is reused - either directly on construction site or after an appropriate treatment. The rest is disposed of on dumps or burned. Different tools are available for waste owners, waste disposition companies and waste-law executing authorities. One of them is the Disposition Guide. It consists of a central database listing all waste disposition systems and a web page that offers information about waste treatment.