Vienna Increases Number of "Waste Watchers"

Discarded trash, carelessly disposed cigarette butts, or unremoved dog waste: The violations that the Waste-Watchers deal with are diverse. They are on duty daily, and there were 150 special focus actions in collaboration with the police or the municipal directorate. In 2024, special attention was paid to the issue of bulky waste. Reports in this area increased by 790 percent, it was reported today.

"Waste-Watchers" in Vienna Impose Fines Up to 2,000 Euros

Caught litterbugs must pay at least 50 euros. If a report is filed - for example, for an old sofa left in a public space - it can cost up to 2,000 euros. The city primarily focuses on education, as Czernohorszky emphasized. However: "Sometimes friendly words are not enough." There are always people who believe the street is a trash can.

Therefore, the motto now is "Enough is enough," as he explained. More fines were already issued last year. Now, more personnel will also be added. Currently, there are a total of 40 full-time Waste-Watchers, who are employed either by the municipal waste and refuse disposal (MA 48) or the city gardens (MA 42). The number will be increased by ten this year. The new employees will serve at MA 48.

As their head Josef Thon explained, there are also around 600 people who perform other tasks in the city but also act as Waste-Watchers part-time. They have completed the appropriate training and are also authorized to impose fines. The legal basis for the waste sheriffs was established in 2008. According to the city hall, the collected fines are used for cleanliness measures.

(APA/Red)

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