Tidy up, please!

In a bid to tackle the growing issue of illegal waste in the city, Berlin's Senate, composed of the CDU and SPD, has introduced a new "fines catalog for administrative offenses in the field of environmental protection." This initiative, led by Environment Senator Ute Bonde (CDU), aims to deter littering and illegal waste disposal.

The new catalog brings significant changes to the fines for various environmental offenses. For instance, those who litter cigarette butts or dispose of household waste on the sidewalk will now face fines of up to 55 euros (previously around 120 euros). The fine for carelessly dropping cigarette butts on the ground has been increased to 250 euros (previously 80-120 euros).

The disposal of takeaway coffee cups and chewing gum will now attract fines of 250 euros and above (previously starting at 80 euros). The fine for illegal disposal of bulky waste will increase from 150 euros to at least 1,000 euros, and up to 10,000 euros for larger quantities.

The Berlin Street Cleaning has been responsible for the disposal of all illegal waste in the city since 2023, leading to increased costs. In 2023, the costs for disposing of illegal waste in Berlin amounted to almost ten million euros. The revenues generated from increased fines could help fund monitoring measures at relevant waste disposal sites.

Illegal waste has been affecting the districts of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Mitte the most for years. Tourists in these districts may also be a factor in the waste issue. The black-red Senate is considering an increase in parking fees as a potential solution to discourage littering.

However, the Greens and the Left are skeptical as to whether the increase in fines will actually make the city cleaner. They argue that a more comprehensive approach, such as an initiative to control the obligation for retailers to offer reusable containers for food and drinks, which has been in effect since 2023, would be necessary.

Disposing of bulky waste by the BSR is free in many cases for household quantities, but the disposal of old tires costs 2.60 euros per piece. An app called Tiptapp can facilitate the disposal of old mattresses, wardrobes, or other bulky waste without a car.

The new catalog also includes fines for the use of free "take to" boxes or piles for disposal, which are considered a "fined administrative offense." The Berlin Senate is currently not planning to introduce a packaging tax, as demanded by the Greens.

The new environmental fines catalog is part of Berlin's ongoing efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable city. The Senate, under the leadership of Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU), continues to explore and implement measures to address environmental concerns and improve the quality of life for its residents.