Zürich Votes to Ban Single-Use Plastics at City Events From 2027

A referendum backed by three parties passed with 61% support, making Zürich one of the first Swiss cities to enforce the ban at public festivals and markets.

The city of Zürich will prohibit single-use plastic cups, plates, and cutlery at all publicly licensed events from January 2027, following a referendum that passed with 61% of the vote on Sunday.

The measure was backed by the Greens, SP, and GLP parties, and opposed by the FDP and SVP, who argued it placed an unfair burden on small event organisers. Event organisers will be required to provide reusable or compostable alternatives and may apply for a city subsidy to cover transition costs of up to CHF 5,000.

The ban will cover all events with more than 300 attendees held on public ground, including the Street Parade, Zürich Food Festival, and the Christmas markets at Bellevue and Hauptbahnhof.