Waste-to-energy in Switzerland: plants, capacity and waste data

Figures for 2022 · Updated 23.05.2026

Switzerland continues to demonstrate a robust waste management system, focusing on the comprehensive treatment of municipal waste.

Key Takeaways

Switzerland showcases a strong waste management system, generating 6.1 million tonnes of municipal waste in 2020 with a per capita rate of 677 kilograms.
The country maintains a recycling rate of 52%, with 50% of waste recycled and 0% sent to landfills, driven by regulations since 2000.
Switzerland’s ‘Pay-as-you-throw’ scheme encourages waste separation and aims for a circular economy, projected for implementation in 2025.
Key regulations, including the Federal Law on Environmental Protection, support sustainable waste disposal and management practices.
The increase in composting and energy recovery strategies reflects Switzerland’s commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.

Key data
Municipal waste generated	5.9 million t
Waste incinerated	WtE Monitor+Available with WtE Monitor+
Landfill ban	Non-recyclable combustible waste must be incinerated since 2000
Key legislation	WtE Monitor+Available with WtE Monitor+

Bern500 kt/a · Energie Wasser Bern (ewb)
Hinwil255.5 kt/a · Zweckverband KEZO
Basel230 kt/a · Industrielle Werke Basel (IWB)
Aire-la-Ville210 kt/a · Services Industriels de Genève (SIG)
Giubiasco160 kt/a · ACR (Azienda Cantonale dei Rifiuti)
Bazenheid155 kt/a · Zweckverband für Abfallverwertung in der Region Bazenheid (ZAB)

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