Schillchaos in Kreuzberg: Munchies causes trouble among residents!

Schillchaos in Kreuzberg: Munchies causes trouble among residents!

In the popular Kreuzberger Bergmannkiez, a new fast food provider named "Munchies" not only caused a sensation, but also a growing garbage problem. This new contact point for US fast food attracts up to 1,000 hungry guests every day with its halal-certified dishes. But the popularity has their dark sides: coffee mugs, burger shells and paper napkins are increasingly landing on the streets instead of in the garbage cans, such as the rbb reported. Residents are upset by the unsightly conditions that are provoked by the careless handling of waste.

The management of "Munchies" is aware of the problem and has already taken measures such as reducing packaging material and providing three garbage cans right in front of the store. Nevertheless, there are real arguments; According to the managing director, employees are even smeared with garbage and faeces. Despite the new European packaging ordinance, which has also prescribed reusable options since January 2023, the small restaurant is unable to comply with this obligation due to its space. The Berlin city cleaning (BSR) confirms that the problem of garbage in public space is not only limited to Kreuzberg. According to the BSR, the “littering”, ie the carelessly throwing away packaging, has increased in recent years, especially since Corona pandemic.

The challenge of waste disposal

The problem is versatile: many people ignore the existing trash can - there are over 27,000 in Berlin - and simply leave their garbage. This underlines a general lack of understanding for public space and throws a bad light on the city dwellers. The BSR appeals to users' sense of responsibility to improve the recycling numbers and reduce the garbage. The recycling tonnes in Berlin are an important measure to recycle materials such as plastic and metal and thus protect valuable resources, reports the BSR. However, the measures to avoid waste have to go hand in hand with the behavior of the citizens to achieve long -term changes.