In the warm season, waste increasingly ends up on the ground instead of in the bin. However, the first field experiments of the 'Large Swiss Littering Study' have shown that anti-littering measures can reduce littering in picnic and leisure areas by about a third. Personal awareness conversations were also tested: Discussions with passers-by about littering and recycling were able to reduce littering by 27 percent.
The ambassador teams of the Swiss Centre of Expertise against Littering, IGSU, also conduct such conversations. At the Grand Prix Winterthur last Sunday, they again raised awareness about littering issues — together with pupils from the Mattenbach School in Winterthur, who were previously provided with knowledge about littering and environmental protection in an IGSU workshop. The runners and all people in the spectator area were reminded by them that waste belongs in the bin.
'The Grand Prix Winterthur should not only be sporty but also resource-saving,' emphasises sustainability officer Bernadette Schwizer. 'The children from Mattenbach School engaged intensively with the topic 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' in class and actively put this knowledge into practice on the event day. They supported the spectators in separating waste correctly, using reusable cups, and keeping the event site clean. The commitment of the pupils and the IGSU contributed significantly to keeping the area visibly clean and allowing the event to be conducted more environmentally friendly.'
Sustainable Awareness The IGSU ambassador teams raise awareness of the littering issue for up to 196,000 people every year. In parks, catering areas, at squares, schools, markets, and events, they motivate children, adolescents, and adults in direct conversation to dispose of their waste correctly. With charm, humor, and creative actions like 'Crime Scene Littering' or 'StreetUnArt', the IGSU ambassador teams meet people at eye level, leaving a lasting impression.
Besides the ambassador teams, IGSU offers many other awareness-raising measures: They organize the annual national IGSU Clean-Up Day, which takes place on September 18 and 19, 2026, and is supported by the children's book character Globi. Furthermore, they support cities, municipalities, and schools in implementing 'space sponsorships' or age-appropriate school workshops on littering, recycling, and environmental protection.
Research for the Environment In the 'Large Swiss Littering Study', IGSU, together with the School of Applied Psychology FHNW, also examines the effectiveness of various measures against littering.
In summer 2025, 'picnic and leisure areas' were the first of three settings to be scrutinized. Further field experiments will be conducted in 2026, this time in 'catering zones around take-aways'. Experiments along 'interurban roads' are planned for 2027.
The IGSU ambassador teams ensure attention in all parts of the country with their actions in 2026: IGSU Tour 2026.
Media Contact
Nora Steimer, IGSU Director, 043 500 19 91, 076 406 13 86, medien@igsu.ch
Bernadette Schwizer, Sustainability Officer, Grand Prix Winterthur, 076 307 84 55
Need a quote for a report on littering or have a question on the topic? The IGSU experts are happy to assist you.
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