Cologne is fighting against the flood of garbage: more and more waste in our city!

Cologne is fighting against the flood of garbage: more and more waste in our city!

It's boiling in Cologne! For weeks, the city has been faced with a sometimes alarming increase in dirty corners and wild garbage dumps. More and more citizens are angry about the increasing waste problems, which are not least due to the corona-related easing. The spokeswoman for the Cologne Waste Management Company (AWB), Cordula Beckmann, explains: "The use of public spaces has increased significantly in recent years. With the so-called 'Mediterranization', more people are using squares and green spaces more intensively, which ultimately leads to an increased amount of waste."

In fact, the amount of waste in Cologne has increased almost every year. According to reports, there are over 23,400 wastebaskets in the city, but they are underused. Contrary to popular perception, the AWB shows that there is no specifically dirty neighborhood; Instead, there are hotspots all over the city where cleanliness leaves a lot to be desired.

Facts about the garbage problem

• Die Zahl der gemeldeten illegalen Müllablagerungen ist im Jahr 2024 auf etwa 28.000 gestiegen.
• Kosten für die Entsorgung von wildem Müll belaufen sich auf über 14 Millionen Euro jährlich.
• Die Möglichkeit zur kostenlosen Entsorgung von größeren Abfällen wird durch zwei Wertstoff-Center und einen Abhol-Service gewährleistet.

Unfortunately, respect for city cleanliness is also decreasing. Unused household goods are being illegally left on the street more and more frequently. The AWB points out that simple disposal is free and uncomplicated. The trend of “gift boxes” is viewed particularly critically, as the items that are not picked up often end up as illegal waste.

Nevertheless, there are bright spots: Last year, reports of littered areas increased by 4,000 compared to the previous year to 28,000. The popular “Kölle putzmunter” campaign is also seeing an increase in the number of participants, and the AWB grill scouts, who hand out garbage bags to people grilling in the green areas, are still a hit.

Campaigns against littering

In order to take further measures against littering in the city, the city of Cologne is launching poster and information campaigns together with the AWB. Under the motto "Over 23,000 in your city! Will you meet the next one?" citizens should be encouraged to make better use of the waste containers provided. These are often equipped with ashtrays and dog waste bag dispensers.

It is interesting that fines for improper waste disposal in Cologne can be up to 150 euros. According to a recent study by the Federal Environment Agency, 58% of the experts surveyed reported an increase in littering in the last five years. Plastic waste and disposable packaging, which often ends up in public spaces, are particularly affected.

The city of Cologne, which is good at planning behind the scenes, sees raising awareness and educating the population as a decisive step in combating the waste problem. The AWB educational team works in daycare centers, schools and universities to raise awareness of proper waste disposal and thus contribute to a cleaner city.

It remains to be seen what measures the city of Cologne will take in the future to get the challenges surrounding waste and littering under control. One thing is certain: the issue concerns us all. And with a little more mindfulness, together we can create a clean city we can be proud of.

For more information you can read the articles from Express, City of Cologne and Federal Environment Agency visit.