The “polluter pays” principle generally applies in waste management—whoever produces waste must pay for its disposal. The polluter-pays principle demonstrably promotes waste prevention and contributes to increasing the reuse and recycling rate. 

To date, Basel-Stadt residents every year with their “Abfuhrplan” (garbage collection plan) received two stickers (vignettes) that each allowed for free disposal of up to 10 kilograms of bulky wastes (Sperrgut), for a total value of CHF 9. This option of free waste disposal contradicts the principle of avoiding waste and strengthening the circular economy. Therefore, the distribution of free bulky waste stickers to households in Basel will be discontinued at the end of 2024. Bulky waste disposal will thus be adapted to the Federal Law on Environmental Protection, which is the key regulation for waste management. This requires the cantons to charge those responsible for the disposal of municipal waste by charging fees or taxes.

In order to achieve the climate target of “net zero by 2037,” more waste must be reduced and recycled instead of disposed of in the future. When it comes to bulky waste, the question always arises—is something really already bulky waste or can the cupboard, table, or sofa still be used or repaired? Repairing, upgrading, giving away, or exchanging products that are still usable helps reduce indirect greenhouse gas emissions, strengthens the circular economy, and at the same time is easy on the wallet. 

Consequently, starting in 2025, if you have items that are no longer usable (e.g., wooden bed frame, broken chair, boxes, small amounts of styrofoam, old suitcases, or used mattresses), you need to buy the bulky waste stickers (Sperrgut Vignette) at a cost of CHF 4.50/10kg (so if an item weighs 30 kg, you will need to affix 3 stickers). You can get the stickers at local stores and kiosks; to find a sales location near you, check out the “Vignetten-Verkaufsstellen” on your “Abfuhrplan” or find a map of vignette sales locations online at https://www.bs.ch/themen/umwelt-und-bauen/abfall-und-sauberkeit/abfallabfuhr#abfallgebuehren. Alternatively, you can bring your bulky waste items to a recycling park, which have their own price lists with on-the-spot payment system.

Note: If your bulky waste is burnable and up to 10 kg, you should place one sticker on it and put it out on collection day with your regular garbage. If your bulky waste exceeds 10 kg or is not burnable (e.g,, glass, porcelain, mirrors, ceramic flower pots), you will have to affix the appropriate number of stickers (by weight) and organize a pick-up at 061-267-1000 or at info.stadtreinigung@bs.ch.

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