Garbage or gold? Verwertstoffhof ensures disputes and thefts!

Garbage or gold? Verwertstoffhof ensures disputes and thefts!

Wertstoffhof, Deutschland - In Germany, garbage is not only produced, but also a valuable asset! According to the world waste index of 2022, every German causes an average of 632 kilograms of garbage a year-this is more than the global average of 527 kilograms. In the district of Amberg-Sulzbach, this was recognized and in 2023 by marketing valuable materials almost two million euros. These income help to keep the waste fees low and to compensate for increasing costs when the residual waste disposal. Robert Graf, the head of the waste management office, emphasizes: "Our recycling center system is close to the citizen and ensures that the waste fees have been at a very low level for many years."

crime at the recycling center

But where there are valuable things, the criminals are not far! Again and again there are thefts of valuable materials, especially waste metal. Verwertstoffhof employee Manuel reports: "That's why I always throw brass and everything that is valuable." Once a thief even wanted to steal a whole stack of license plates! The legal provisions are clear: what is once delivered to the recycling center belongs to the company.

Not only thieves 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 threaten to refer to space or the police." At the end of a long working day, shortly before 6 p.m., the employees have to prove a thick fur. Curiosities are the order of the day: once someone wanted to dispose of a suckling pig head in the green container! "It doesn't work at all," Regina shakes her head. After a day at the recycling center it becomes clear: the pig's head belongs in the residual waste!