Anyone know if there is such a thing in switzerland?
Do the recycling centers or garbage centers salvage any of their material?

You could try http://www.bauteilclick.com/user/exchanges.php The key word is Bauteilbörse. You'll see there is one close to Bern (Köniz).

I'm guessing they dont have what I'm looking for but I would imagine they would know the answer to my question. Thanks me.anon.

In canada or the US, most city/town dumps or recycling centers allow you to go to the massive pile or wood and lumber, that has been separated from all other garbage, and just take whatever you want. I'd just like to know if this sort of thing is allowed in switzerland and if so, where.

Most seem to reduce it to splinters I think. You could try Löwenberg recycling near Murten, they seem to have a lot of wood. Also try contacting Bern's forestry service. They may have a lot of wood offcuts, etc.

Not sure you'll get anything for free though.