There are around 38,000 sites in Switzerland containing environmentally hazardous substances, of which around 4,000 need to be remediated. The new Contaminated Sites Ordinance, which comes into force on 1 June 2024, allows treated excavated material to be reinstalled at the remediation site. This is ecologically more favourable than the previous practice, which required large-scale material transport and treatment. The reinstallation must ensure that no further remediation is necessary and the site is monitored in the long term.
Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance: adjustments for refrigerants and batteries
A revised Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance, which is based on EU standards and the latest technical developments, will come into force on 1 January 2025. This will restrict particularly climate-damaging refrigerants in new systems and appliances in order to achieve the goals of the Montreal Protocol and protect the ozone layer. From 1 July 2024, the ordinance will also regulate the return and disposal of significantly damaged batteries and the reimbursement of the advance disposal fee for exports. These amendments offer companies more legal certainty and contribute to sustainable disposal.
Extension of the transitional provisions in the programme agreements
Since 2008, the Confederation and cantons have jointly defined environmental targets and corresponding subsidies in programme agreements. For the period 2025-2028, the transitional provisions of the Water Protection and Forestry Ordinance will be extended by four years in order to continue and finalise projects that have already been started. These changes will come into force on 1 January 2025 and ensure the continuity of important environmental measures.
The amendments adopted by the Federal Council strengthen environmental protection and optimise the regulatory framework. These measures emphasise Switzerland’s commitment to sustainable development and efficient resource management, while providing greater clarity and certainty for the industries concerned.