Wild garbage/burning of waste

Waste must generally be disposed of properly and without causing harm. For household waste, this means that the waste must be handed over to the public waste disposal authority.

If unauthorized waste deposits are nevertheless found, the following allocation applies.

If the unauthorized waste deposits are on private property, the Lower Waste Management Authority accepts the respective complaints and examines the matter.

The waste can include, for example, household and bulky waste, green waste, excavated soil, construction waste, or household-like commercial waste such as packaging.

For illegal waste deposits on public areas, the respective cities and municipalities are responsible.

For illegal waste deposits on forest property, you can contact the Lower Waste Management Authority or the State Forestry and Timber Agency NRW.

Regulatory orders from the district for the removal of illegal waste deposits are subject to fees. Disposal costs as part of substitute performance (i.e., the district commissions a third party for disposal) may also apply.

Illegal waste deposits can be fined up to €50,000.00.

You can contact us by phone, in writing, or in person. Complaints should be accompanied by as much evidence as possible, such as details about the perpetrator, precise information about the location of the waste deposit, photos, documents, or similar.

The burning of waste is generally prohibited.

For the burning of plant waste, exemptions can be applied for in individual cases at the local regulatory authorities.

If you have further questions, the employees of the Lower Waste Management Authority will be happy to assist you.