Chaos for old clothes: Leipzig fights with crowded containers!

Chaos for old clothes: Leipzig fights with crowded containers!

Böhlitz-Ehrenberg, Deutschland - The introduction of the EU amendment to the circular economy law has been bringing drastic changes to the disposal of old clothes since January 2025. This regulation prohibits the disposal of textiles in residual waste and obliges to dispose of old clothes exclusively in the intended, publicly established containers. Experts and council groups, especially the CDU, warn of chaotic conditions that could arise from the new regulation. The CDU parliamentary group has already made inquiries about defects of overcrowded containers, but the mobility and civil engineering office (MTA) has no centrally recorded figures. So far, the defects have been running through different channels, which makes it difficult to recording and reaction. Mayor Thomas Dienberg is therefore planning to talk to environmental mayor Heiko Rosenthal to improve the data.

Especially in districts such as Mockau and Böhlitz-Ehrenberg, the problem accumulates, since old textiles are often deposited next to the containers. Among other things, this phenomenon is favored by the fact that some citizens abuse the containers for other waste. According to the reports of the MTA, overcrowdations and even vandalism are increasing at the locations. In addition, the bankruptcy of the Soex company, an important buyer for old textiles, also tightened the situation. This problem is not just a local, but affects all municipalities in Germany. The German Cities Day has already discussed the far-reaching effects of the EU regulation. However, specific solutions are currently not in sight.

regulations and bureaucracy

The obligation to separate old clothes is not only a local, but also a nationwide requirement that is anchored in the circulatory economy law and the corresponding state waste laws. The control of these waste law regulations is the responsibility of the local authority, while the municipal waste authorities are responsible for compliance with the regulations by the citizens. In some municipalities, if the tons are fully filled, collection is initially exposed to the possibility of correction to the citizens, but this can cause additional costs if a separate disposal is necessary.

The waste volume in Germany is around 350 million tons annually, with construction and demolition waste made the largest share. The supply of old clothing is part of a broader strategy for resource protection and promoting the circular economy. The [Federal Environment Agency] names this as part of the five -stage waste hierarchy, which extends from waste avoidance to removal. This concept clearly shows the need and challenges in waste management and the separate collection of waste.

a challenge for the future

The introduction of the separate collection of old dresses brings with it many challenges, both for citizens and for the municipal administrations. The legal framework is clearly defined, but the practical implementation is often complex and arduous. The experience from Leipzig could therefore be an example of other municipalities to develop strategies to improve waste management.

Since the legal regulations have been stricter since the novella, it will be important to sensitize citizens to correct disposal practices and prevent the containers from preventing abuse. This is the only way to actually achieve the desired improvement in waste management.