Authorities in Mitte are set to fine up to €120 for the usage of chicken snipers, in an attempt to combat the city's poultry problem.
In a significant move towards maintaining cleanliness and preserving the environment, the District of Mitte in Berlin is taking part in a city-wide focus action from September 22 to 28, as part of World Cleanup Day. The event aims to raise awareness about the impacts of littering, with a particular focus on cigarette butts.
Cigarette butts are a significant litter problem in Berlin, often found in masses on sidewalks and along the streets. They pose an environmental risk and mar the cityscape, reducing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The filters of these cigarettes contain toxins that can seep into groundwater through rain, causing significant environmental damage.
The Berlin waste management service removes around 2.9 billion cigarette butts from public streets annually, a massive undertaking that incurs high costs. To combat this issue, the city is stepping up its efforts, targeting heavily polluted sites with inspections by both uniformed and civilian enforcement agents.
Those caught discarding a cigarette will be fined at least 55 euros in penalty fees. Repeat offenses or more serious violations may result in fines of up to 120 euros. District Mayor Christopher Schriner (Mitte) considers illegal waste dumping and micro-littering a major problem and is committed to addressing it.
The Mitte district is following up on its agreement on "Cleanliness and Order in Public Spaces" with closer cooperation. The action against cigarette litter is an important contribution to the fight against it in the Mitte district. The focus on cigarette butts in the action is due to their significant negative impact on the environment and public spaces.
The Berlin public order offices (Ordnungsämter) across districts, including the district of Spandau, are involved in the World Cleanup Day actions against cigarette waste. The Berlin Cleaning Service (BSR) also plays a key role in removing cigarette butts from public spaces due to environmental and health hazards.
Subsequent inspections after the action day aim to prevent immediate re-pollution. The goal is to keep freshly cleaned areas clean long-term, ensuring a cleaner and healthier city for all. It's a reminder that every small action can make a big difference, and together, we can create a cleaner Berlin.
