Frankfurt. Photo: Shutterstock Frankfurt’s Anti-Pollution Battle Continues: Heavier Fines and Extensive Enforcement from October 1.
The city of Frankfurt has announced that, starting October 1, 2025, a new regulation aimed at combating public litter will take effect.
From next month on, authorities plan to adopt a series of significantly increased fines for citizens who violate regulations aimed at maintaining public cleanliness.
As such, disposing of cigarette butts, chewing gum, banana peels, or other small waste can lead to a EUR 120 fine instead of the previous EUR 55.
Similarly, dog owners who do not pick up their dogs’ feces on the street can be hit with a EUR 400 fine instead of the current EUR 120, while littering in public parks can result in a fine of EUR 500.
Dumping construction waste or furniture in areas that are not designated for special pickup will be punished with at least EUR 1000. Finally, people who urinate in public will be slapped with a stingy EUR 300 fine instead of the regular EUR 70.
To make sure residents and visitors alike have an easy time disposing of their waste, the city will also proceed to install more trash bins of a larger capacity.
In addition to raising fines and adding more trash cans, Frankfurt also plans to increase the presence of municipal police officers who will be responsible for targeted enforcement operations at known litter hotspots.
The list includes Alt-Sachsenhausen district, the railway station area, the banks located across the Main River, Kleinmarkthalle market, and busy public parks.
Mayor Mike Josef took the opportunity to send the clear message that the city “must be cleaner and more pleasant”, adding that anyone who goes against the rules “will face tangible consequences.” Josef also emphasized the decision to funnel more money into city infrastructure as a means of simplifying things for the public and encouraging them to “do the right thing."
Similarly, Tina Zapf-Rodriguez, City Councillor and Head of Department for Climate, Environment and Women's Issues, called cleanliness “a basic condition for quality of life in the city”. She added that by increasing the fines, Frankfurt will not only exert a “punitive measure” but also express its appreciation for cleaning workers.