Berlin Proposes Steep Fines to Combat Illegal Waste Disposal

The CDU-SPD coalition plans to introduce significantly higher penalties for offenses like dumping trash, with fines reaching up to €25,000.

The Berlin government, led by the CDU-SPD coalition, has proposed a drastic increase in fines for illegal waste disposal to address rising incidents of trash dumping.
Fines for offenses such as dumping bulky waste could increase from €150-€500 to as much as €8,000, while improperly discarded cigarette butts could cost €250, up from €55.
New penalties include €500 for leaving a full garbage bag on the street and up to €25,000 for construction debris or commercial waste weighing up to 100 kilograms, with higher fines for hazardous materials.
The proposal highlights the growing problem of illegal waste disposal, particularly from informal construction activities involving dangerous substances like asbestos, which are costly for the city to clean up.
The increased fines aim to deter offenders, encourage public vigilance, and fund enhanced monitoring measures, such as surveillance cameras, at common dumping sites.