Abandonment of the forest - Greater Waste Is Becoming a Problem in Forests
Larger items thrown as trash in North Rhine-Westphalia's forests are increasingly becoming a problem. The forest is being increasingly used as a dumping ground for bulky waste, the State Forest and Timber Agency of North Rhine-Westphalia told the German Press Agency. This includes old car tires and mattresses.
Garden waste is also often dumped, under the mistaken belief that it's not harmful to the forest. However, this can also damage the forest. "There seems to be a lack of awareness that garden waste can also harm sensitive ecosystems through nutrient input or the introduction of non-native species," the agency said.
In addition to these types of trash, "classic recreational trash" such as tissues and plastic bags can also be found in the forests. There is no estimate of how much trash is illegally left in the forests. "Overall, it's a societal phenomenon that affects all social strata," a spokesperson for the agency said.
The spokesperson noted that the illegal disposal of waste in the forest is a public order offense punishable by a fine of up to 25,000 euros. The person who left the trash can also be ordered to remove it. However, such individuals "can only be identified in rare cases," the spokesperson said. "Therefore, the possibility of punishment is often not effective."
The illegal dumping of waste, including old car tires and mattresses, is transforming North Rhine-Westphalia's forests into unwanted repositories. Moreover, misconceptions about garden waste leading to no harm can contribute to its improper disposal, which can negatively impact forest ecosystems.
