The Canton of Zurich recommends plant-based cat litter
In September 2026, the Canton of Zurich's Office of Waste, Water, Energy and Air (AWEL) called on cat owners to switch to cat litter made from plant fibers. Here you'll find out what's behind the recommendation, how to dispose of used litter correctly in Switzerland, and how to make the switch.
- 9,000 tons of slag a year from mineral litter in the Canton of Zurich
- Plant-based litter burns almost completely during waste incineration
- TOFU is plant-based – made from pea and soy fibers and corn
Why does the Canton of Zurich recommend plant-based cat litter?
In Switzerland, used cat litter goes into the household trash and is burned at a waste incineration plant (KVA). Mineral litter such as bentonite or silica doesn't burn there. It's left behind as slag that has to be stored in landfills, and landfill space is running out. According to AWEL, up to 10% of the slag from Zurich's incineration plants comes from mineral cat litter.
Litter made from plant fibers, on the other hand, burns almost completely in the incineration plant. This produces energy for district heating and electricity, and hardly any slag is left over.
„AWEL therefore recommends using cat litter made from plant fibers. This reduces the amount of slag and saves valuable landfill space.“ – AWEL, Canton of Zurich, press release of Sept. 14, 2026 (translated)
Sources (in German): Canton of Zurich, press release of Sept. 14, 2026 · AWEL, cat litter
Does the recommendation only apply to Zurich?
No. The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) also recommends cat litter made from organic material, nationwide. Almost one in three Swiss households has a cat, so a lot of litter adds up. Switching to plant-based litter reduces the slag from your own household trash.
„Cat litter made from organic material is preferable to the other types.“ – Swiss Federal Office for the Environment FOEN (translated)
Sources (in German): FOEN, cat litter · Canton of Zurich, press release of Sept. 14, 2026
What happens to cat litter in waste incineration?
The trash bag goes to the incineration plant and is burned. What's left afterward depends on the litter.
How do I dispose of cat litter correctly in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, the same rules apply to all used cat litter, including plant-based litter like TOFU:
TOFU, bentonite and silica compared
Here's how the three types of litter found in most Swiss litter boxes compare.
*When burned in a waste incineration plant, according to the Canton of Zurich (Sept. 14, 2026). Comparison based on the typical properties of each type of litter; individual products may differ.
How do I switch my cat to plant-based litter?
AWEL also advises mixing the new litter into the old one gradually. Young cats usually adjust quickly, older ones need a little more time. Start with about a quarter TOFU and increase the share with each change until there's only TOFU in the box. If your cat hesitates, stay with one mix for a while.
Used litter, including the mix of old and new, always goes in the household trash.
Plant-based cat litter: TOFU
TOFU is made from pea and soy fibers, corn starch, corn flour and guar gum. Start with the trial bag. After that, the subscription with 4 bags every 2 months is the right fit for one cat.
What cat people say about TOFU
„No dust at all, really great. The cats needed a few days to accept it, but now it's no problem. Hardly anything sticks to their paws.“
„After 30 years with cats, litter in the bed and just about everywhere eventually drove me crazy … […] really pleasantly surprised by the instant acceptance, absorbency and odor control. […] Vet assistant (me) and cat are happy.“
„Hardly any dust at all. My 6 cats took to it without any problems from day one. […] Still smells pleasant after weeks in the box, clumps great.“
Common questions about plant-based cat litter in Switzerland
What does the Canton of Zurich recommend for cat litter?
Since September 2026, AWEL in the Canton of Zurich has recommended using cat litter made from plant fibers. Mineral litter such as bentonite or silica is left behind as slag after waste incineration – around 9,000 tons a year in the Canton of Zurich. Plant-based litter burns almost completely. Read the press release (in German)
Does the recommendation only apply in the Canton of Zurich?
No. The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) also states that cat litter made from organic material is preferable to the other types. So the recommendation applies to all of Switzerland.
Can cat litter go down the toilet in Switzerland?
No. According to the FOEN, disposing of cat litter via the wastewater is expressly prohibited. This also applies to plant-based litter like TOFU. Used litter belongs in the household trash.
Does plant-based cat litter go in the green waste or on the compost?
No. Because of possible pathogens and medication residues, used cat litter in Switzerland always belongs in the household trash, even if it's made from plant fibers.
What is TOFU cat litter made of?
TOFU is made from pea and soy fibers, corn starch, corn flour and guar gum, plus enzymes that bind urine odor. TOFU contains no clay and no silica.
How do I switch from bentonite to plant-based litter?
Mix the new litter into the familiar one gradually: first about a quarter, then half, then three quarters, and after around 10 days only TOFU. If your cat hesitates, stay with one mix for a few more days. See the guide
Is plant-based cat litter more expensive?
Per liter, usually yes. With TOFU, a depth of 3–5 cm is enough, and you only remove the clumps. For one cat with a normal-size litter box, we estimate about 2 bags a month.
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