Plastic sorting at CERN

Not all plastics can be recycled in the same way. At CERN, among all types of plastics, only PET beverage bottles are sorted for recycling.

All waste generated at CERN is treated in Switzerland, including waste from sites located in France. Swiss sorting rules therefore apply to all CERN sites.

Recycling depends on the treatment streams available locally. Currently, only PET bottles have a fully operational recycling stream in the region. Other plastics (rigid packaging, flexible plastics, films, trays, etc.) cannot yet be recycled locally.

In addition, the quantities of plastics generated at CERN are very low. Setting up a dedicated collection would require significant logistical resources for limited environmental benefits.

Recycling starts with correct sorting! Remember: at CERN only PET beverage bottles go in the PET bin. All other plastics must be disposed of with "Other waste".

We all play a role: learn more about the different CERN waste disposal channels on our "What Goes Where?" page. Find out more about the many ways CERN acts to minimise its impact on the environment.