Waste Piles on Austria's Highways Continue to Grow

Waste amounts that are properly disposed of are not a problem for the ASFINAG highway maintenance departments. Carelessly discarded waste directly on the highways is an issue for several reasons. "More than a quarter of this waste amount has to be collected by hand. For our employees, this is always associated with a certain risk, as it is done through daytime construction sites in flowing traffic.

Carelessly Discarded Waste on Highways as an Immense Danger in Traffic

In addition, bottles, cans, or even paper and newspapers pose an immense safety risk for road users because these items can become projectiles on highways. This can lead to abrupt braking maneuvers when drivers are startled," ASFINAG Managing Director Tamara Christ is certain, "which means that carelessly discarded waste simultaneously means increased danger for everyone involved."

Another major problem for ASFINAG is the illegal dumping of household waste or construction debris. Sometimes entire pieces of furniture, car tires, or similar items end up next to the routes. Simply because people want to save the waste disposal fee, or because it is more convenient for them.

ASFINAG: 2.2 Tons of Waste Collected by Hand

The illegal disposal of waste, whether by throwing it out of the car window or losing cargo from the loading area, means a lot of and especially tedious work for ASFINAG employees. This waste has to be collected by hand - this not only causes high costs but also dangerous work operations on and beside the road. More than a quarter of the waste has to be collected by hand annually. This means that last year more than 2,200 tons of waste had to be collected by hand. Overall, the more than 9,000 tons of waste mean costs of nearly nine million euros in 2024.

ASFINAG has been trying for several years to initiate measures on the topic of "littering." The slogan "I am the highway, not a trash can" is repeatedly displayed on all overhead signs. To especially reduce the problem of disposable bottles, ASFINAG has long pointed out that all rest areas are equipped with drinking water fountains where you can refill your own water bottle.

Where the Most Waste is Discarded on Austria's Roads

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