In early November, the Berlin Senate adopted a new, significantly stricter catalog of fines for illegal littering, writes Spiegel.
The document has been published in the official gazette, and its main goal is to deter offenders and reduce the amount of litter on the streets of the German capital.
In many categories, maximum fines have increased several times, and even minor violations can now be very costly.
One of the most common types of litter – cigarette butts – will now cost offenders significantly more: instead of the previous 80–120 euros, the fine will range from 250 to 3,000 euros.
Although formally the violation can still be classified as an administrative offense with a warning fine of 55 euros, the decision remains at the discretion of law enforcement officers.
For a discarded plastic bag, cup, or chewing gum, one can receive a warning fine of 55 euros or pay between 250 and 500 euros. If the litter is larger, the fine can reach up to 5,000 euros.
Discarded glass bottles, shards, nails, or metal waste are now punishable by fines ranging from 250 to 800 euros – previously, the minimum amount was 75 euros.
For paper, napkins, or fruit packaging, a warning fine of 30–40 euros or an official fine of 50–100 euros is provided.
Dog owners who do not clean up after their pets must pay a warning fine of 55 euros or a fine ranging from 100 to 350 euros. Even the absence of waste bags is now punishable by a sum of 35–250 euros.
Mattresses, suitcases, strollers, chairs, cabinets, and other similar items will now cost offenders between 300 and 1,500 euros. For several items or large things (such as a shower cabin or bed frame), one will have to pay between 1,500 and 4,000 euros, while for even larger volumes, the fine can rise to 11,000 euros.
Illegal disposal of electrical appliances and waste containing harmful substances will cost between 1,000 and 15,000 euros (previously, the minimum was 500 euros). This applies to mobile phones, radios, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, asbestos-containing devices, fluorescent lamps, etc.
The fine for illegal dumping of old tires has doubled: now 700 euros for one tire (up to five pieces). For a larger quantity, the fine can reach 20,000 euros – instead of the previous 3,000 euros. Meanwhile, legal disposal at BSR points costs only 3–8 euros.
Paints, batteries, or chemicals can incur fines ranging from 1,200 to 100,000 euros.
And boxes left on the street with the inscription "Free" or "Free for a Good Home" are formally considered an administrative offense. Although the practice of giving things to others is encouraged, authorities have noted concerns about abuses.
