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When relocating to a new country, assignees face many challenges as they adapt to their new environment. One of these challenges is figuring out the do’s and don’ts in the new location. From waste management systems to rules for driving cars to cultural differences. Assignees must navigate a variety of situations that can impact their daily lives. Without the right guidance, it may require several hours of research for the assignee, to fully grasp how things work in the new location. Without this guidance, it can lead to more than just missed environmental benefits, – it can lead to unexpected costs* or even social friction.
Driving in Regulated Zones
In many cities around the world, strict environmental regulations have been implemented to improve air quality and promote sustainable transport. One such regulation is Low Emission Zones (LEZ), which designates zones where only vehicles meeting specific environmental criteria are permitted to enter (1). For assignees unfamiliar with these rules, driving a vehicle that does not meet the environmental criteria, can result in fines. In Belgium for example, a foreign-registered vehicle entering a LEZ without prior registration can lead to a €150 fine (*) (approximately 156 US$). If the vehicle continues to enter the LEZ, these fines can quickly add up and lead to significant unexpected costs for the assignees.
In Mexico City, a similar system called Hoy No Circula (2) has been implemented. This system restricts certain vehicles from driving on specific days based on their license plates. Vehicles with license plates ending in certain digits (divided into odd and even numbers) are banned on specific days to avoid congestion and air pollution. Driving a non-permitted vehicle through a Hoy No Circula-zone, can result in fines, a possibility of towing and a significant hassle for the driver.
In New York, several programs have been implemented to reduce pollution, relieve the city of congestion, and reduce noise levels. One of these is the Congestion Pricing Program, which charges drivers in certain areas of Manhattan (3). The fee for driving in peak times is more expensive than those outside of peak hours.
Littering on the Streets
Littering is not only unpleasant to see, but in places with strict environmental policies, it can lead to significant fines. Several countries and cities have implemented a zero-tolerance towards littering, as an effort to keep public spaces clean and promote sustainability. For assignees unfamiliar with these rules, accidentally littering can lead to potential legal issues. Take Singapore as an example, a city known for its cleanliness. Littering can result in fines of up to $2000 for a first conviction (approximately 1475 US$), and even higher fines for repeat offenders (4).
While Singapore is widely known for their zero-tolerance towards littering, there are several other examples that are less known. In Australia, all states and territories have laws against littering to reduce pollution. Some areas impose severe fines, for example in New South Wales, the on-the-spot fine for throwing an unlit cigarette is 160 AU $ (approximately 100 US $), but a lit cigarette would result in a 1000 AU $ fee (approximately 620 US $) (5).
What might seem like a minor mistake – such as casually discarding a small piece of trash or a cigarette can lead to a hefty fine, showing how important it is to understand the local waste disposal rules and be mindful of environmental responsibilities.
Improper Waste Disposal
Proper waste disposal and recycling are essential parts of sustainable efforts in many places worldwide. If the waste is not sorted correctly, it may lead to uncollected trash – or even fines in some areas. In Basel in Switzerland, for example, incorrect waste separation can lead to fines starting from CHF 100 and up (approximately 100 US$). To further ensure this, the city has hired rubbish patrols, that will randomly inspect garbage to ensure everything is sorted correctly. If the waste is sorted wrong, or people have disposed of their trash incorrectly, it may result in fines (6).
In Sweden, they similarly have strict laws regarding separating waste correctly. And if you forget to put the trash in the correct bin, or even use the wrong bin, you will receive a fine of 350 SEK (approximately 32 US $)
This highlights how improper waste disposal can lead to more than just environmental harm – but end as a financial burden, often simply due to a lack of awareness.
Reducing Single-Use Plastic
Many countries have taken significant steps to regulate or even ban single-use plastics. For example, since 2021, the European Union has banned single-use cutlery and straws, as an effort to reduce waste (7). In Denmark, shops are prohibited from offering free plastic bags and must charge for them instead. Additionally, single-use thin plastic bags have been completely banned (8). The plastic bags usually cost around 6 DK (Approximately 0.8 US$). Assignees who relocate to Denmark, and are unaware of the fee, may be surprised at checkout, assuming the bags are free. Over a two-year assignment, this could add up to a significant amount, not to mention the environmental impact of using single-use plastics unnecessarily.
In Kenya, the government has implemented a strict ban on plastic bags. Being caught in possession of one or bringing one into the country can be considered smuggling and a serious offense (9). This highlights the importance of being aware of local regulations. For example, many people place shoes in plastic bags in their luggage while traveling, to prevent their things from getting dirty. In Kenya, doing so can result in significant penalties due to the country’s strict ban on plastic bags. Understanding such regulations can prevent unintentional violations and ensure compliance with environmental laws.
On the other hand, many positive initiatives are emerging to reduce single-use plastics, and these efforts may save individuals money in the long run. For example, many coffee shops offer discounts to customers who bring their own reusable cups – instead of using disposable ones. A simple yet effective initiative that companies can implement is to give their employees (or assignees) a reusable coffee cup. Not only does this encourage sustainability by reducing the use of disposable cups, but it is also a practical gift for the employee, that may save the employee money This simple gesture promotes eco-friendly behavior and enhances company visibility.
The Cost of Ignorance: How to Avoid it
Being unaware of sustainable practices in the local area may lead to both financial penalties and higher everyday costs. Whether it’s accidentally driving a non-registered vehicle in a LEZ, improperly disposing of waste, or something completely different, these small oversights can quickly become an expensive lesson learned. Companies can mitigate these risks by having sustainability as a main focus when designing Cultural Awareness Programs. When companies invest in training assignees in local sustainable practices, they empower assignees to make informed decisions. It not only prevents financial costs, but costs, Cultural Awareness Training with a sustainable focus can encourage positive behavioral change. This benefits the assignee, as well as contributes to the company’s sustainability goals. Sustainable & Cultural Awareness training can help the assignee navigate challenges and avoid unnecessary expenses, as well as contribute to a more sustainable future.
(*) All fine amounts are based on information available as of January 2025, including exchange rates.
Do you have an experience where sustainability and cultural awareness played a key role in relocation? Share your thoughts on sustainability@expatride.com, we’d love to hear your experiences!
Sources:
1 European Consumer Centre. (n.d.). Environmental zones in Europe. European Consumer Centre. https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/motor-vehicles/environmental-zones-in-europe.html
2 Mexperience. (n.d.). Mexico’s Hoy No Circula: Vehicle driving restrictions. https://www.mexperience.com/mexicos-hoy-no-circula-vehicle-driving-restrictions/
3 New York City 311. (n.d.). Driving regulations in New York City. https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03612
4 National Environment Agency. (2023, December 21). Everyone has a role to keep Singapore litter-free. National Environment Agency. https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/readers-letters/index/everyone-has-a-role-to-keep-singapore-litter-free
5 Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) NSW. (n.d.). Litter laws. https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/litter/report-littering/litter-laws
6 Bänziger, L. (2022, July 22). Getting dirty with the Swiss rubbish police. SwissInfo. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/getting-dirty-with-the-swiss-rubbish-police/47764994
7 Mason, R. (2019, March 27). The last straw: European Parliament votes to ban single-use plastics. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/27/the-last-straw-european-parliament-votes-to-ban-single-use-plastics
8 State of Green. (2021, May 13). No more free shopping bags. State of Green. https://stateofgreen.com/en/news/no-more-free-shopping-bags/#:~:text=Yesterday%2C the Danish government and,bags that cannot be reused
9 Travel Butlers. (n.d.). Kenya: Facts for visitors. https://www.travelbutlers.com/kenya/facts-for-visitors/
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