Cologne in the garbage chaos: residents finally demand solutions for Gremberg!

Cologne in the garbage chaos: residents finally demand solutions for Gremberg!

In the Humboldt-Gremberg district of Cologne, the increasing littering causes resentment. An annoyed residents reported on June 20, 2025 and reported on the predicament, which can be observed primarily at the overcrowded garbage cans and the frequent garbage storage at certain places such as Westerwaldstrasse and Usinger Straße. The problems seem to have intensified in recent years, and the reader expressed that he was caught himself when unloading garbage, but was insulted for his intervention. The reader remains anonymous for fear of misunderstandings. "There is an urgent time that something is being done", he describes his frustration compared to the waste management company awb. Express that the reader also notes critically that the integration of Refugees in the waste disposal system hardly work. Many newcomers are not informed about local customs and do not know how to properly dispose of their garbage.

An example of this problem could reflect the experience of the residents who have increased since the considerable influx of refugees, for example since 2015. These challenges are not only locally, but also globally to be observed. According to a report by giz , armed conflicts, such as the civil war in Syria, have made millions of people expelled. Since then, the population has died by at least 10%in neighboring countries like Jordan, which also presents waste disposal for massive challenges. This results in a depressing parallel: where the population grows, the difficulties in waste disposal and the conflicts between the locals and new citizens also increase.

suggestions for improvement

In order to counter the garbage problem in Humboldt-Gremberg, the affected resident suggests that signs in different languages ​​contain the telephone numbers of the AWB. This could help to promote understanding and sense of responsibility. He also advocates that the AWB keeps regular speeches in order to clarify the residents about waste disposal and to create a common awareness. "The reaction of the AWB to my message was disappointing - more would have to happen here," said his urgent appeal.

There is further focus on initiatives for avoiding waste that are becoming increasingly important in Cologne. One example is the “Zollstock unpacked” business in Cologne, which offers environmentally friendly alternatives. Here, customers can buy products in reusable containers and bring their own vessels to reduce packaging waste. This initiative shows that citizens can actively contribute to reducing waste and represents a positive contrast to the floural problems in the districts. The goal must be to raise awareness of correct waste disposal and to give people sustainable solutions. The AWB Köln informs about various approaches to avoid waste, and such business contributes to this concern.