Davos introduces administrative fines for littering

Published: 29. June 2023

Littering has exceeded an acceptable level at frequented locations in Davos. In future, anyone who carelessly leaves litter in Davos, deliberately throws it away or disposes of it illegally will have to pay a fine of 150 francs. This new regulation in the fight against littering will apply from 1 July 2023.

At popular lookout points, playgrounds, public places or fireplaces, the picture repeats itself: Time and again, cans, bottles, food scraps or even used nappies lie around. Unfortunately, littering in the Davos region has increased considerably in recent years. This has prompted the municipality to take countermeasures and introduce fines of 150 Swiss francs for litterers from 1 July 2023. Securitas personnel and municipal police will carry out appropriate checks in the village and on the grounds. “Littering has been prohibited by law in Davos for some time, but up to now there have been no fines for it, apart from incorrectly disposed of rubbish sacks. In future, too, fines will not be imposed for the smallest pieces of paper. It's mainly a matter of larger-scale pollution, untidy leftovers from private gatherings or the careless or even deliberate leaving of waste in public spaces,” explains Philipp Wilhelm, mayor of Davos.

Broad-based communication on various channels
Various measures are planned to ensure that guests and locals are informed about the new regulations. Flyers are available in the destination's information offices and will also be made available to tourist service providers. The destination and the municipality of Davos are also addressing this topic on various channels such as the website, newsletter and social media. Reto Branschi, Director/CEO of Destination Davos Klosters, welcomes this step: “We are dependent on intact nature in the long term, especially in tourism.” What many people don't know: Littering not only harms nature and the townscape of a tourist destination. When wild and farm animals eat litter, they can die in agony. In addition, and not to be underestimated, exposed litter also attracts wolves to the settlement area in search of food.

Davos as a pioneer for intact nature
The new ban on littering is just one of many measures taken by the municipality and tourism in Davos to jointly protect nature and make tourism more sustainable. In 2020, for example, it was the voting population of Davos that, with a large majority, was one of the first Swiss municipalities to enact a ban on fireworks for reasons of animal welfare and environmental protection. But that's not all: Davos wants to become climate-neutral as a tourist destination by 2030 with the “Davos 2030” project.