Cologne in garbage chaos: Citizens demand drastic measures against neglect!

Cologne in garbage chaos: Citizens demand drastic measures against neglect!

Cologne citizens are increasingly angry about the neglect and garbage problems that have become more and more evident in the city in recent years. A look at the streets between the Expressand the Reviewshows many of the grievances that are driving more and more people to the barricades. Reader reporters report on a urinal on the sidewalk between the Musical Dome and the main train station, which was placed without any privacy protection and spreads unpleasant smells. Homeless people have set up camp in the entrances to the shops on Hohe Straße, which has a significant impact on the cityscape.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg: A disused escalator on Wiener Platz, which hasn't been repaired for a long time, is seen as another sign of urban neglect. Especially on Neusser Straße in the Agnesviertel, passers-by, especially wheelchair users, are affected by increasingly intrusive begging. Not only inconveniences are left behind, but also garbage, and not just in restaurants. In addition, Rosenzweig Park in Zollstock sees a serious waste problem despite the presence of rubbish bins.

Urban development in focus

The Cologne city administration is under pressure. The debate about increasing homelessness and drug problems is now also being conducted at city council level. The SPD parliamentary group has requested a current hour on this, while Mayor Henriette Reker emphasizes the challenges. “We can only alleviate the symptoms, not combat the causes of addiction and poverty,” says Reker. This statement is reflected in the increasing numbers of homelessness: In Germany as a whole, there were around 532,000 homeless people at the beginning of 2024, including around 47,300 homeless people, as statistical surveys show Statista.

This increase is particularly noticeable at Neumarkt and Ebertplatz, where Police Chief Johannes Hermanns is addressing the increasingly problematic crack situation. City director Andrea Blome (CDU) also confirms that the problems are particularly severe on Neumarkt, with 60 positions in the public order office remaining unfilled. “Something urgently needs to change here,” notes Christian Joisten (SPD).

Obstacles and solutions

The discussion about responsibility for the waste problem also shows that the city cannot cope with illegal waste disposal. Andrea Blome speaks here of difficulties in the security service. “We also have to do more for the people who live outside,” she acknowledges. Proposals for greater surveillance by the police and the public order office are always a topic, but responsibility cannot only be passed on to the authorities - citizens are also asked.

For example, a reader reporter called for larger garbage containers in green areas and the city center. “We don’t have enough space for the waste we produce,” he explains. There were also reports of a refrigerator being distributed on the street, which was not removed despite reports. A situation that not only diminishes the place in question, but also the reputation of the city.

The concerns and needs of the people of Cologne are diverse. On the one hand, there are more and more people who are afraid of the city's neglect, while on the other hand, urban actors are emphasizing the need to combat both poverty and drug abuse. A further discussion could focus on the causes of homelessness and the situation of drug addicts, because as Mayor Reker aptly says, “we are far from reaching our goal”.