Swiss resident slapped with 150-franc fine for throwing paper in public bin

Regardless of how long you have lived in Switzerland, keeping up with the many rules and regulations can be confusing. Unfortunately for one woman from Vaud, throwing some bits of paper into a public bin has left her with a 150-franc fine.

Woman in Vaud fined for throwing paper in a bin

On the shores of Lake Geneva, less than 20 kilometres from the French border, a woman in Villeneuve recently threw away two A4 sheets of paper in a public bin. “One Wednesday, I went to the park with my children and had some papers in my hand. When I passed the trash can, I threw them in,” explained the woman to 20 Minuten.

Even though this “might seem normal” in many other European countries, the resident received a 150-franc fine in the post two weeks later. The municipality investigated the invoices found, concluding that throwing paper in the bin was “not legal” and that it should have been recycled instead. 

“People throw tons of trash into the public bins. I’ve never seen a municipal employee search through them when emptying them,” explained the woman. 

Story sparks debate about Swiss waste disposal rules

In Switzerland, residents must buy canton-specific garbage bags to dispose of household waste and, if found to be avoiding these, can be fined. Local authorities are known to search through illegally dumped rubbish to find out the identity of the culprit.

Villeneuve's mayor Nicolas Riesen explained that the municipality has “complete confidence in our sworn employees. If they come across suspicious waste, they initiate proceedings [...] If a resident disagrees with the fine, they can appeal it and exercise their right to a hearing.”

The story sparked debate among 20 Minuten’s readers, with some relieved that “decisions are being enforced” and “fines are finally being issued.” Others agreed, adding that “It's wrong to dispose of household waste in public trash cans. That's exactly the point. Avoiding disposal fees.”

On the other hand, many sympathised with the woman who was fined and questioned, “What exactly is this public trash can supposed to hold [...] the municipality should put a menu on the bin.” 

Another added, “Then, logically, the municipality should also provide separate bins for compost, cardboard, cans, etc., in addition to the regular waste bins. If I eat a banana while out, where do I put the peel?” One of the top comments went so far as to say that “It’s no wonder the people abroad are saying: “Those Swiss are crazy.””