Organise waste sorting in the City of Zurich
This guide concerns the City of Zurich. Other municipalities use their own collection systems and dates. Give household rubbish, paper, cardboard and products for return separate places at home so you do not have to sort every package again when cleaning.
If you are unsure, check the waste category with Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ) instead of deciding from the material name alone.
Put the Züri-Sack in the designated container
Combustible household rubbish goes into the official paid Züri-Sack and then into a designated Züri-Sack container. For homes without their own container, the city also identifies publicly accessible underground containers. Do not simply leave loose sacks at the kerb.
Check the disposal calendar for your address for container placement and collection. Paper and cardboard may be collected on different days.
Sort everyday items carefully
| Waste | Key distinction |
|---|---|
| Paper and cardboard | Keep separate and check the preparation rules and collection dates. |
| Cardboard packaging | Collect clean, uncoated cardboard. Dirty sections and drink cartons are excluded from cardboard collection. |
| Bottles and packaging | Use the appropriate glass, metal or PET collection; not every glass or plastic item belongs there. |
| Electrical items and batteries | Use separate return routes, not household rubbish. |
| Leftover cleaning products | Treat as special waste and check the correct return route. |
Further reading
Keep chemicals and other special waste separate
For chemicals, medicines and unidentified substances, ERZ lists the Hagenholz special-waste collection point, its mobile collection service or return to the retailer. Check acceptance conditions and opening hours before travelling.
Keep products in labelled original containers where possible and do not combine leftovers. Chemicals do not belong down the drain or in the Züri-Sack. Electrical appliances have their own return route and are a different category.
Prepare waste areas before a cleaning visit
Sort rubbish and explain where the appropriate bins are. Bulky-waste removal, chemical transport and property clearance are not promised parts of PUTZIO apartment cleaning. Clarify any task that goes beyond routine tidying during cleaning.