Waste Management

General Waste: In Switzerland, you cannot just use any plastic bag for your general trash. You must use official, taxed garbage bags (commonly called Gebührensäcke). The cost of waste disposal is included in the price of these bags.

What goes here: Anything that cannot be recycled (hygiene products, dirty food packaging, broken household items, etc.).

Where to buy them: At the cash register or customer service desk of any major supermarket (Migros, Coop, Denner, Aldi, Lidl). You have to ask the cashier for them.

How much: They come in different sizes (usually 17, 35, or 60 liters). And normal you need the 35 liter bags wich is a roll of 10 bags. Since Homestay doesn't pay for these costs, you should discuss who will cover them in the flatshare early on.

Where to dispose of it: 

You generally have two options:

Option A (Underground Containers): You can drop your waste into nearby underground containers (Unterflurcontainer) at any time. Tip for students: In St. Gallen there are special Bags only four the Underground Containers for the half Price! Of course you can also put the official bag in the containers.

Underground bins, City of St. Gallen

Option B (Street Collection): You can place your tied official bag on the sidewalk or at designated street corners once a week. This must only be done on specific collection days (usually early in the morning or the evening before). You can check the exact collection days and schedules for your specific area here: Waste collection timetable for the City of St. Gallen

When to dispose of it: You can dispose of your waste in the underground containers at any time, and on the street you can check the exact collection days and schedules for your specific area here: Waste collection timetable for the City of St. Gallen or in the City of St. Gallen app.

Important Notice: Please note that storing garbage bags inside the apartment or on the balcony is strictly prohibited for hygienic reasons. Garbage bags must be disposed of directly. Non-compliance may result in a fine.