Bulky waste is left on the pavement at the side of the road in Neukölln. "Sorry not today" and a unicorn can be seen on one side of an old refrigerator. (Archive image)
© dpa
The fines for illegal waste disposal are to be paid to the Berlin districts.
This was agreed by the black-red Senate at its most recent meeting. "We have ensured that there are real incentives for districts to step up prosecution," said Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU).
A new catalogue of fines has been in force since the beginning of November. Some of the fines have been significantly increased. Even throwing away a cigarette butt can result in a fine of 250 euros. Critics had complained that high fines alone were not decisive in practice. Wegner emphasised that he shared this assessment: "It's good to have a list of fines, but it's even better to catch the litterbugs." That is why, on the one hand, there is more staff for the public order offices and, on the other hand, violations must actually be punished.
"It was important to me that we had an incentive model that would encourage districts to step up their inspections." He is certain that the districts are making use of this. "Otherwise, they would be leaving money on the table." The fight against litter, dirt and neglect is an important task throughout Berlin, said Wegner. "I expect our city to become cleaner."