Neukölln Waste Task Force set to expand operations

"Soko Müll" stickers bearing the Neukölln district coat of arms are affixed to the jacket of a member of the special task force during a meeting with the Neukölln Public Order Office's "Soko Müll" unit.

The Neukölln district plans to step up its efforts to combat illegal dumping.

For such cases, there is a special task force (Soko) dedicated to waste management, about which Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) learned during a meeting with staff members. Its staff is set to be expanded as soon as possible, as explained by Thomas Kolb, who helped establish the unit within the Public Order Office. So far, it has three positions, with five more to be added—though initially on a temporary basis.

Employees on duty even at night

Sofa sets, refrigerators, shelves, mattresses or even large amounts of construction debris - anyone looking to make things easier for themselves or save money simply dumps their trash on the side of the road. When the special investigation unit finds out about this, they try to figure out who’s responsible - or catch them red-handed. Two of the three officers work in the field - and sometimes even on night shifts. 

Fines totaling more than 92,900 euros imposed

Among other things, they are keeping an eye on so-called litter hotspots where trash is repeatedly dumped. Last year alone, 67 offenders were identified and fines totaling more than 92,900 euros were imposed - an average of 1,390 euros per case. In extreme cases - such as the illegal disposal of commercial construction debris - fines in the five-figure range can be imposed. The district office sees clear progress: The number of trash hotspots has decreased noticeably in recent years, said Kolb. Neukölln District Councilor Gerrit Kringel also views this positively and hopes it will serve as an even greater deterrent than before.