Waste Disposal

Separating waste helps protect the environment and saves money. Reusable waste or waste that is harmful to the environment can be disposed of in special collecting points or at collection stations (paper, batteries, glass, cardboard, compost, aluminium, metall, textiles, oil, etc.). Such waste does not belong in the household rubbish. Every community has its own waste collection schedule (Entsorgungsplan) or rubbish collection calendar (Abfallkalender) which one receives upon moving to a community. Burning waste or dumping it in places that are not designated as collection stations is prohibited. Plastic bottles (PET-Flaschen) and other packaging can be returned to most points of sale.

In Basel, rubbish which is not reusable (household rubbish, Hausmüll) must be disposed of in official rubbish bags. In Riehen and Bettingen, household rubbish must be disposed of in bags with official waste disposal stickers. The price of the bag or sticker includes the disposal fee. The bags or stickers can be purchased, for example, in shopping centres or shops in the commune, or from the commune administration itself. On designated days, the rubbish bags must be placed on the side of the street (in rare cases, there may be another collection point). Depositing rubbish on other days is prohibited. Some apartment buildings have rubbish containers. The commune of residence or neighbours can answer further questions on this topic.

Hazardous waste (Sonderabfälle) must be disposed of seperately. It may contain poisonous substances or damage the environment. Hazardous waste includes, for example, paint, chemicals, batteries, electronics, energy-saving lamps, or expired medicine. Under no circumstances does hazardous waste belong in the household rubbish. Usually, it can be returned to the point of sale. Manufacturers and retailers are obligated to accept these waste products free of charge.