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Garbage chaos in Cologne: Citizens fight against wild deposits!
Cologne citizens complain about wild garbage dumps in Ehrenfeld. Reader reporters are calling for measures to improve the situation.
Garbage chaos in Cologne: Citizens fight against wild deposits!
In Cologne there is great anger over wildly dumped rubbish. In recent weeks, more and more citizens have complained about increasing garbage problems, especially in settlements where the city no longer seems to have an overview. The reader reporter W. Jung from Humboldt-Gremberg is downright desperate and has now spoken out. In a haunting report, he describes how the situation in his neighborhood has actually deteriorated, especially on Kannebäckerstrasse, where there are glass and clothing containers in the immediate vicinity of Grenzhausener Weg.
According to Jung, the containers are often overflowing with bulky garbage. His documented photographs show discarded laundry, old clothes, a box of CDs, carpets, corpses of bicycles and even mattresses. The situation is not only an aesthetic problem, but also endangers hygiene. The GAG employees explained that the responsibility for disposal did not lie with them, which prompted W. Jung to take action. His suggestions range from abolishing the containers to relocating them to more sensible locations.
The dangers of wild garbage
But garbage isn't just causing havoc in Humboldt-Gremberg. Wild garbage disposal was also discovered in the popular local recreation area at Lake Fühlinger. Here another reader reporter, Michael L., reports on the sad situation. It is forbidden to simply throw garbage into nature, and yet there are always polluters who get away with such practices. Dumping waste not only endangers our environment, but can also have health consequences for people and animals. Incorrect disposal could even have fatal consequences for animals who, for example, swallow plastic parts.
Wild garbage dumps not only represent an aesthetic problem, but also a significant environmental and health risk. Although the city has taken measures to combat this illegal waste disposal, it is often difficult to identify those responsible. To counteract this, there are various reporting options. The AWB can be reached via the email address wildermuell@awbkoeln.de, and the “Tell us” portal also offers an easy way to report.
Call for awareness
Examples of wild garbage are mentioned again and again: sometimes it's fast food packaging, sometimes broken glass bottles or even washing machines that are disposed of illegally. Many people may not be aware of the effects of such actions. Cigarette butts alone represent a significant environmental problem, with around 4.5 trillion butts being thrown away every year. This means that a single person can contaminate up to 60 liters of groundwater, which is not only dangerous for the environment but also for children and pets.
The defect reporting app Meldoo makes it easier for citizens to report such problems and quickly forward information to the responsible authorities. In this way, each of us can help keep our own environment cleaner and create awareness of the importance of cleanliness.
Given these challenges, it is clear that collective action and a change in thinking are necessary. Only together can Cologne become a more beautiful and cleaner place!