The city of Frankfurt is sharply increasing penalties for polluting public spaces, aiming to make the urban environment cleaner and more livable.
From October 1, throwing cigarette butts, chewing gum or other small litter on the ground will cost offenders €120 – more than double the current fine.
New catalogue of fines
The updated regulation sets out a wide range of violations:
- Disposing of cigarette butts, chewing gum, takeaway cups, paper scraps, flyers, food leftovers or fruit peels: €120
- Failing to remove dog waste: €400; in green areas €500
- Public urination: €300
- Illegal dumping of bulky waste: €1,000
Compared with previous rules, many of these fines have been increased by a factor of up to four. Leaving chewing gum or cigarettes on the ground used to cost €55, while ignoring dog waste incurred a penalty of €120.
City leaders call for more respect
Frankfurt’s mayor, Mike Josef (SPD), stressed that a cleaner environment will benefit all residents.
“Those who break the rules must now expect noticeable consequences,” he said, pointing out that pollution in public spaces is not a minor offense.
Deputy mayor Annette Rinn (FDP) emphasized that cleanliness is also a question of respect for the city and its inhabitants.
Concerns about enforcement
Not everyone is convinced higher fines will solve the problem. Cleanliness consultant Peter Postleb argued that past measures failed not because of low fines, but due to a lack of consistent enforcement.
“High penalties only work if there are enough inspections,” he said, warning that otherwise the measures risk becoming empty political promises.
More bins and infrastructure planned
To support the stricter rules, Frankfurt authorities also plan to add more waste bins and improve urban infrastructure.
“We are investing so that people find it easier to dispose of their waste correctly,” Josef explained.
The city announced it would step up inspections while simultaneously making it more convenient for residents to keep the streets clean.
