Bottle Bill Resource Guide

The July 5, 2000 “Ordinance On Beverage Containers” (814.621) repeals the August 22, 1990 ordinance of the same name. It regulates the supply and take-back of beverage containers in Switzerland, and finances glass bottle recycling. It places a mandatory deposit on refillable containers and non-refillable PVC plastic containers, and requires take-back and recycling of one-way and refillable beverage containers by dealers, manufacturers, and importers at their own expense. It requires that a deposit be imposed on non-refillable glass, PET, and aluminum beverage containers if their recycling rates fall below 75% by weight. [Footnote: “Calculation method for the recycling rate of beverage containers,” Federal Office for the Environment website, accessed 11/29/18].] 

According to the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, The IGORA-Genossenschaft aluminium recycling cooperative levies a prepaid disposal fee on aluminum beverage cans and uses the fees to finance recycling activities. [footnote: “Aluminium packaging.” Federal Office for the Environment website, accessed 11/29/18.]

January 1, 2001

Refillables, and one-way containers that are recycled at levels below 75% by weight.

Deposit not less than CHF 0.30 (= US$0.30) for refillable containers and non-refillable PVC [1]

All beverages in refillable containers, one-way soft drinks, beer and mineral water

Glass bottles: [2]

Recycling rates, 2017*: [3]

Glass: 94% 

PET: 83% 

Aluminum: 92% 

*Note: because these recycling rates are all above 75%, the deposit requirement is not in effect.