- Illegal garbage collection in the forest: associations are concerned
Illegal waste disposal is increasingly a problem in Lower Saxony. The amount of waste is dramatically increasing, warns Philip von Oldershausen, president of the Association of Forest Owners in Lower Saxony. The Lower Saxony State Forests are also concerned. They report that all kinds of waste are being dumped - from commercial, garden, or renovation waste to special and bulky waste.
There are no numbers available on the amount of waste and the number of cases in Lower Saxony. The data situation is difficult, it was stated. According to the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) Lower Saxony, it is particularly dangerous for the ecosystem when batteries, electrical devices, and painted old wood are disposed of in the forest. This waste contains chemical components or toxins that can pollute groundwater.
Waste is a threat to wildlife and plant life. According to the Association of Forest Owners, wild animals can easily get caught in plastic bags or nets and injure themselves on glass. But even seemingly harmless garden waste can disrupt the ecosystem. Introduced seeds or insects can become a threat to native plants and displace them.
Waste disposal in the forest is prohibited. Fines of up to 50,000 euros can be imposed depending on the type and amount of waste. The Lower Saxony State Forests report cases of illegal waste dumping and encourage citizens to do the same. Witness statements increase the chances of catching the culprits. Some districts or cities also have so-called waste reporting apps, with which waste found in the forest can be reported quickly and easily.
Despite the prohibition on waste disposal in German forests, illegal dumping remains a concern in Lower Saxony. This harmful practice is not limited to commercial or renovation waste but includes various types, such as batteries and painted old wood, which can pollute Germany's groundwater due to their toxic contents.
