Rail-Cycling, Recycling

I find it really difficult to throw things away and it becomes way harder when it comes to electronic devices. I particularly identify with the person in this article. In fact it may well be about me. But Zürich, with typical Swiss efficiency, has a solution to the problem of old device and cable hoarding and it comes in the shape of a Tram. The E tram or Cargo tram to be precise.

The cargo tram will take away any old (or new come to think of it) junk provided it is under 40kg and less than 2.5 metres long. There are some things that they won’t take though and these include building rubbish, electrical appliances, hazardous waste and, somewhat strangely, old ammunition and explosives. For me this a major drag as I’ve been wondering how to get rid of my old dynamite and plutonium. Have a look below for what they will and wont take.

The E tram will take office furniture, household appliances and cables and has similar rules regarding weight and size. Again, I have listed what they will and will not take. 

They also have one rule and this very important. As a green initiative they expect you to deliver stuff to the tram by foot or by bike. If you rock up in some smoky old car they will, politely I’m sure, refuse to take your item. So if you are planning on getting rid of a giant TV from the seventies or a fridge, a team of sherpas may be required.

The timtable of these trams is actually included on the refuse calendar that is given out by the city but I have included it here as well.

Will Take:   Flat glass, aluminium coffee capsules, cork, metal, plastic bottles, bulky goods, stoneware.

Will not take:   Building rubbish, electrical appliances, asbestos, gas bottles, household rubbish (stick this in a Züri-sack), glass receptacles, ammunition/explosives (Really?), ovens, hazardous waste, and individual items heavier than 40 kg or longer than 2.5 m per piece.

E Tram

Will Take:   Office equipment, household appliances, cables, entertainment devices, power tools.

Will not take:   Petrol-powered devices (chainsaws, lawn mowers), metal tools and batteries.