Garbage or gold? Recycling center causes disputes and thefts!

Garbage or gold? Recycling center causes disputes and thefts!

In Germany, garbage is not only produced, but also becomes a valuable commodity! According to the World Waste Index of 2022, every German creates an average of 632 kilograms of waste per year - that's more than the global average of 527 kilograms. In the Amberg-Sulzbach district, this has been recognized and in 2023 they will have earned almost two million euros through the marketing of recyclable materials. This income helps to keep waste fees low and offset rising costs for residual waste collection. Robert Graf, the head of the waste management office, emphasizes: “Our recycling center system is close to the citizens and ensures that waste fees have been at a very low level for many years.”

Crime at the recycling center

But where there is something valuable, criminals are not far away! Thefts of recyclable materials, especially scrap metal, occur again and again. Recycling center employee Manuel reports: “That’s why I always throw brass and everything that’s valuable to the back.” Once a thief even wanted to steal a whole stack of license plates! The legal regulations are clear: Whatever is delivered to the recycling center belongs to the company.

But it's not just thieves who cause excitement. The suppliers themselves can also become a challenge. “We are often insulted,” says Manuel, and such conflicts are increasing. Regina, a colleague, tries to calm the situation: "I try to solve everything calmly. But there are colleagues who immediately threaten to be expelled or to call the police." At the end of a long working day, shortly before 6 p.m., employees have to show a thick skin. Curiosities are the order of the day: someone once wanted to dispose of a suckling pig's head in the green container! “That’s not possible,” Regina shakes her head. After a day at the recycling center, it becomes clear: the pig's head belongs in the trash!