Garbage disposal starts an hour earlier due to heat!

Wegen extremer Hitze beginnt die Müllabfuhr in Köln und anderen Städten Deutschlands eine Stunde früher, um Mitarbeiter zu schützen.
Due to extreme heat, garbage disposal in Cologne and other cities in Germany begins an hour earlier to protect employees. (Symbolbild/MK)

Garbage disposal starts an hour earlier due to heat!

Again and again the recent years have had records in the temperatures in Germany, and the current heat wave is no exception. Especially in North Rhine-Westphalia, the garbage disposal is now being changed due to the extreme weather conditions. So the garbage collection begins in many places at 6 a.m., an hour earlier than usual. The measure is considered necessary to protect employees from the health risks in the event of extreme heat, the Süddeutsche

The risk of cardiovascular diseases increases significantly when high temperatures affect severe physical work. That is why cities like Dortmund and Cologne have decided to adapt their empty rhythm during the summer months. Especially in Herne and Gladbeck, the early start control is used at more than 30 degrees. Incidentally, this procedure is supported by the Verdi union, which indicates the need for protective measures.

heat and health - a growing problem

statistics show that heat waves in Germany increase. Since the 1980s there has been a significant increase in hot days and tropical nights. Studies by the Robert Koch Institute show that eight of the ten warmest summer since 1881 have been registered over the past three decades . The forecasts are alarming: the number of heat waves could quadruple by the end of the century.

Vulnerable groups are particularly at risk, which include children, the elderly and chronically ill. The health risks should not be underestimated. Heat can worsen existing diseases and lead to an increase in mortality. In view of these facts, the Federal Government is planning extensive measures to reduce heat -related health problems, and that since the introduction of the Climate Adjustment Act in July 2024.

heat action plans: municipal responsibility

Responsibility for the implementation of heat action plans lies with the states and municipalities. The aim of these plans is to protect the population from heat phases. In 2017, comprehensive recommendations from the federal and state governments were developed for the creation of such plans. These suggestions include numerous measures, including new urban design concepts and information campaigns to create more awareness .

  • measures in the heat action plan:
  • urban design and land use planning
  • shading and city green
  • actions in health and care facilities
  • monitoring and information campaigns

Early warnings from the German Weather Service are intended to help avoid health burdens, while cities such as Mannheim and Dortmund have already developed their own heat action plans. It is clear that the challenges in implementing this measure are not low and sustainable financing for long -term plans is essential. So it is only to be hoped that all municipalities will take the necessary steps to protect the population in the best possible way.

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OrtKöln, Deutschland
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