Humour Instead of a Wagging Finger: Rapperswil Tackles Littering

Sometimes, in unobserved moments, rubbish ends up on the ground instead of in the bin. However, the first field trials of the 'Great Swiss Littering Study' have shown that anti-littering measures can reduce littering in picnic and leisure areas by around one third. Personal awareness conversations were also tested: Conversations with passers-by about littering and recycling reduced littering by 27 per cent. The IGSU ambassador teams conduct such conversations as well. They recently started their annual tour through Switzerland. Today they could be found in Rapperswil with their recycling mobiles. On Saturday, 4th April, they will once again attract attention with their 'Littering Crime Scene' action, as they have in previous years: An IGSU detective marks littered items, questions witnesses, and, with the help of passers-by, identifies the fictional littering culprits. 'In this way, the IGSU ambassador teams highlight in a humorous way that littering is no trivial offence,' emphasises Peter Lanz, Environmental Officer of the City of Rapperswil. 'And because humour works better than a wagging finger, they manage with this action time and again to make the Rapperswil community more aware of waste disposal.'

Sustainable Awareness

Every year, the IGSU ambassador teams raise awareness about the littering issue to up to 196,000 people. In parks, in dining areas, on squares, at schools, markets, and events, they encourage children, teenagers, and adults in direct conversation to dispose of their rubbish correctly. With charm, humour, and creative actions like 'Littering Crime Scene' or 'StreetUnArt', the IGSU ambassador teams meet people on equal footing, leaving a lasting impression. Besides the ambassador teams, IGSU offers many other awareness-raising measures: They organise the annual national IGSU Clean-Up Day, which this year takes place on the 18th and 19th of September 2026 and is supported by the children's book character Globi. Additionally, they support cities, communities, and schools in implementing space partnerships or age-appropriate school workshops on the topics of littering, recycling, and environmental protection.

Research for the Environment

In the 'Great Swiss Littering Study', the IGSU, together with the University of Applied Psychology FHNW, examines the effectiveness of various measures against littering. In the summer of 2025, 'picnic and leisure areas' were scrutinized as the first of three settings. Further field experiments will be carried out in 2026, this time in 'dining areas around Takeaways'. Experiments along 'interurban roads' are planned for 2027.

Media Contact

Nora Steimer, IGSU Managing Director, 043 500 19 91, 076 406 13 86, medien@igsu.ch

Peter Lanz, Environmental Officer, Safety and Environment, City of Rapperswil-Jona, 055 225 70 23

Do you need a quote for a report on littering or do you have a question on the subject? The IGSU experts are happy to assist you.

IGSU
Grubenstrasse 29
8045 Zurich
Tel 043 500 19 99
info@igsu.ch
www.igsu.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: IGSU/Keystone / Photographer: Michael Calabro