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Cologne in garbage chaos: Residents are finally demanding solutions for Gremberg!
Residents in Gremberg-Humboldt criticize massive garbage problems and demand better information about waste disposal for newcomers.
Cologne in garbage chaos: Residents are finally demanding solutions for Gremberg!
In the Cologne district of Humboldt-Gremberg, increasing littering is causing discontent. An angry resident reported on June 20, 2025 and reported on the unfortunate situation, which was particularly evident in the overflowing garbage cans and the frequent dumping of garbage in certain places, such as Westerwaldstrasse and Usinger Strasse. The problems appear to have worsened in recent years and the reader commented that he himself had been caught dumping rubbish but was scolded for his intervention. The reader remains anonymous for fear of misunderstandings. “It is urgently time for something to be done,” is how he describes his frustration with the waste management company AWB. Express reports, that the reader also critically notes that the integration of refugees into the waste disposal system hardly works. Many newcomers are not informed about local customs and do not know how to properly dispose of their waste.
An example of this issue could reflect the experience of local residents, which has increased since the significant influx of refugees since around 2015. These challenges can be observed not only locally, but also globally. According to a report by GIZ Armed conflicts, such as the civil war in Syria, have displaced millions of people. In neighboring countries such as Jordan, the population has died by at least 10% since then, which also poses massive challenges for waste disposal. There is a depressing parallel here: where the population grows, the difficulties in waste disposal and the conflicts between the locals and new fellow citizens also increase.
Suggestions for improvement
In order to address the garbage problem in Humboldt-Gremberg, the affected resident suggests putting up signs in different languages that contain the AWB's telephone numbers. This could help promote understanding and a sense of responsibility. He also advocates that the AWB hold regular speeches to educate residents about waste disposal and create common awareness. “The AWB’s reaction to my report was disappointing – more needs to happen here,” was his urgent appeal.
Another focus is on initiatives to avoid waste, which are becoming increasingly important in Cologne. One example is the “ Zollstock unpacked ” shop in Cologne, which offers environmentally friendly alternatives. Here, customers can buy products in reusable containers and bring their own containers to reduce packaging waste. This initiative shows that citizens can actively contribute to reducing waste and represents a positive contrast to the littering problems in the city's districts. The goal must be to raise awareness of proper waste disposal and to provide people with sustainable solutions. The AWB Cologne provides information about different approaches to waste reduction, and such stores contribute to this cause.
Overall, it is clear: the issue of waste disposal requires joint action and commitment from everyone involved. The residents, the AWB and the city of Cologne must pull together to resolve the difficulties and promote a clean and pleasant living environment.