Kiel, the Sustainable Gem in Northern Germany.

 

Kiel, the Sustainable Gem in Northern Germany.

The commitment of the city of Kiel to become a model for recycling and waste management for the rest of Germany is an example to be replicated worldwide.

It is the capital city of Germany's northernmost state and is certified as the nation's first zero waste city. What can the city of Kiel teach the world?

Kiel, located in northern Germany, is known for being a vibrant port, but it has recently gained renown for very different reasons. Kiel has been declared Germany's first "zero waste" city by the environmental campaign group Zero Waste Europe, according to The Guardian.

The zero waste city distinction doesn't mean Kiel has stopped producing waste, as the amount of waste generated in Germany, like many other parts of the world, remains significant. However, this designation represents a solid commitment to social responsibility and a concrete plan to effectively address the waste problem.

A Step in the Right Direction

Bettina Aust, a Green Party politician who was elected president of Kiel's city council in June, describes the zero waste city declaration as a step in the right direction. She emphasizes the importance of not being static in the fight against waste. In Kiel, the zero waste initiative has led to a series of projects and changes in citizen behavior.

While Germany is recognized as a world leader in recycling, it is also one of the most polluting economies in Europe. In 2021, the average German generated 646 kg of waste, surpassing the average citizen of the European Union (EU), who produced 530 kg.

Only four EU countries surpassed Germany in terms of waste generation.

Dino Klösen, a manager at the waste management company ABK in Kiel, notes that German consumption trends are reflected in the types of waste generated. Previously, paper recycling bins were filled with newspapers, but in the era of online commerce, these bins are now filled with cardboard from delivery packages.

Innovative Strategies for Waste Reduction

In response to the growing amount of waste, cities like Kiel are exploring innovative strategies to reduce waste production and encourage recycling. Measures implemented include banning single-use items in public institutions, installing more public drinking water fountains, and educational programs about waste management in schools.

Simple behavioral changes are also being encouraged, such as using solid soap bars instead of plastic bottles. A very significant proposal is the "pay as you throw" system, where people only pay for the waste they throw in mixed containers. According to the European Environment Agency, only 30% of Germany is covered by this scheme, but areas that implemented it saw an average 25% reduction in mixed waste.

Challenges of the Zero Waste City

Recycling is deeply rooted in German culture. In 2021, Germans collected more than 67% of their municipal solid waste for further reuse, more than any other country in Europe. The rest is burned for energy generation, and only 1% is sent to landfills, compared to the EU average of 16%.

However, even in Germany, not everyone recycles correctly. Common mistakes, like putting pizza boxes in the "paper" container despite being contaminated with oil, are signs that education and people's behavior still present challenges.

The German recycling system can be complicated for tourists, immigrants, and even Germans themselves. Waste disposal here is a legal obligation since 2015 and is facilitated by a wide variety of containers in public spaces and apartment buildings. Additionally, waste collectors refuse to pick up poorly filled containers and leave notes on bags with inappropriate items.

Inspiring Actions

Another significant aspect of waste management is food waste. Germany discards 11 million tons of food per year, of which 59% comes from private households. The federal government set the goal of halving food waste from individuals and restaurants by the end of the decade, but so far has struggled to make progress in this direction.

Despite the waste management challenges in the city of Kiel, its experience offers valuable lessons to the world. While recycling is a crucial part of the solution, it is insufficient to address the waste crisis alone. Changes in behavior, as well as efforts to reduce and reuse before recycling, are required. Public education and awareness are essential, and it is important for communities to foster a more holistic approach to waste management.

Moreover, Germany demonstrates that even in a highly developed society committed to recycling, the need to reduce waste production in the first place remains a significant challenge. The fight against waste is not just about cleaning up the mess but preventing its creation from the start.

Kiel, Germany's "zero waste city," is an inspiring example of how a community can take meaningful steps to address the waste crisis, but it also reminds us that waste management involves ongoing social responsibility actions that require active participation from government, businesses, and society in general. The lessons learned in Kiel can guide other cities and nations in their pursuit of a more sustainable and clean future.

Source: https://somosimpactopositivo.com/kiel-la-ciudad-residuo-cero-alemana/