Ulm is fighting against wild garbage: stricter controls and higher penalties!

Ulm is fighting against wild garbage: stricter controls and higher penalties!

In the city of Ulm, measures are being taken to combat the growing waste problem. Mayor Martin Ansbacher (SPD) reports on the increasing challenges in the area of ​​waste management. Overflowing garbage cans, incorrect waste separation, such as plastic bags in organic waste, and carelessly thrown away paper cups cause anger, not only among the population, but also among business owners. For example, Osman Demirtas, the owner of a barbershop and a pub, spoke about the negative impact of wild waste on his business. “It’s bad for business,” he complains, and finds himself forced to dispose of other people’s trash several times a week.

Despite awareness campaigns that have already been carried out, the city administration has noted that there has been no success. Last year, 188 misdemeanor proceedings were initiated ahead of 154 in 2023. From July 1, 2024, the fines for wildly dumped garbage will be significantly increased - the fine can be up to 2,500 euros. In order to support these measures, the city will invest around 800,000 euros in new staff for waste disposal companies and city cleaning over the next four years.

Additional measures and support

But the problem of waste dumping goes beyond mere punishment. Thomas Dombeck, the city's waste consultant, will be traveling with an information mobile in the western part of the city from May to the end of July 2024. “The issue of waste is complex and the reasons for deposits are varied,” he explains. In order to raise citizens' awareness, information campaigns will continue to be carried out in other parts of the city. The new initiative aims to increase understanding of waste prevention, waste separation and circular economy.

The waste advice from the Ulm disposal company (EBU) plays an important role here, offering individual support to citizens. This not only includes avoiding waste and sorting waste, but also professional advice on the topics of reuse and recycling. The EBU experts take customer concerns very seriously in order to promote awareness of a clean environment. Contact options are available at abfallberatung@ebu-ulm.de or by phone at 0731 166 5555.

A look at waste management

The changes Ulm is undergoing are part of a larger trend that has been observed in Germany since the 1970s. Waste management has transformed from a pure disposal economy to a circular economy that focuses on protecting natural resources and dealing with waste in an environmentally friendly manner. The legal framework is provided by the Circular Economy Act (KrWG), which has been amended several times in recent years. Responsibility for waste begins with the consumer and extends throughout the entire life cycle of the products.

With a five-stage waste hierarchy - from waste avoidance to recycling and disposal - Germany has clear guidelines for reducing waste, which should also initiate change in Ulm. It remains to be seen whether the new measures can ensure a clean city for both business owners like Osman Demirtas and citizens.