Berlin's Waste Crisis: BSR Resumes Garbage Collection

In recent days, Berlin has faced a significant waste management crisis as garbage has piled up across various neighborhoods. This situation arose due to a prolonged warning strike by the Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR), the city's waste management authority. As of today, operations to collect the accumulated waste have resumed, although officials indicate that it may take some time to clear the substantial backlog.

During the past week of industrial action, approximately 12,000 tons of residual waste went uncollected, creating unsightly scenes as bins overflowed. Residents have reported litter scattered around garbage containers, leading to unpleasant odors and attracting pests.

In addition to household waste, the disruption also affected the collection of organic waste and recyclables managed by BSR. The strike further impacted street cleaning services and the emptying of public waste bins, exacerbating the cleanliness issues in the city. The recycling centers operated by BSR were closed for several days, along with the Ruhleben waste-to-energy facility and several mechanical treatment plants.

Typically, BSR's fleet of around 350 refuse collection vehicles, staffed by approximately 1,300 employees, manages the collection of about 3,000 tons of household waste daily. The recent strike, organized by the Verdi union amid ongoing wage disputes in the public sector, has disrupted this regular service significantly.

As the city begins to address the backlog, authorities are urging residents to remain patient and to manage their waste responsibly until full service can be restored. The BSR is working diligently to catch up on the collections, but the sheer volume of waste means that it will take time before all areas are back to normal.