Garbage disposal & recycling in Fribourg
The Swiss are efficient and conscientious about recycling and have a myriad of rules and regulations regarding the issue. Unsurprisingly, Switzerland tops world rankings for environmental action. Adapting to Switzerland's waste and recycling collection system requires time and effort but it is good for your conscience and for your wallet. Recycling collection points for most materials are widely available.
All the information you need about waste and recycling is provided by the Federal Office of the Environment (DE/FR/IT). You can click your canton on the map to find related links. For tips on saving energy and preserving the environment visit Energy-Environment (DE/FR). Read more about Switzerland's thorough rubbish disposal and recycling systems and their benefits on Swiss Recycling (DE/FR/IT).
Useful resources in English:
- Ch.ch provides links to cantonal waste disposal and recycling information.
- The recycling map shows collection points for all types of waste and centre opening times.
Garbage disposal in Fribourg
Each municipality has its own garbage bag or stickers that much be purchased. These include collection taxes. The City of Fribourg (DE/FR) uses blue bin bags that are available at supermarkets. (Bags from other areas may be a different colour.) The city also provides detailed information on pickups, disposal and recycling waste for different types of materials.
The city provides an annual garbage collection calendar (DE/FR) that lists all collection dates and schedules. Green waste and food scraps are only collected on request.
Recycling in Fribourg
Recyclable materials must be separated. Glass, aluminium and plastic PET bottles can be deposited at local recycling points. Paper and cardboard should be tied into bundles and placed on the street on paper collection days, or taken to the nearest paper recycling container.
Recycling collection containers for oil, old clothing and metals are available in most neighbourhoods.
Larger items need to be marked with a sticker for pickup or dropped off at a large recycling centre.
Recycling collection points (DE/FR) are widely available. Check with your local commune for the nearest location. The Canton Fribourg (DE/FR) also provides a list of regulation for different types of waste.
