There are twice as many people in Berlin as there are in Germany's next largest city, which means that Berlin prodcues far more waste than anywhere else in the country. Another obstacle is that, since there is a significant foreign-born population in Berlin, the people living here don't always know how the recycling system works or understand its importance.
Berlin has the same waste laws and recycling procedures as the rest of the country. In addition, Berlin is trying out a force of "trash police," meant to fine people who dispose of their waste improperly. Berliners themselves are also taking responsibility for informing newcomers of the waste management system. When I first moved here, my initial Airbnb hostess as well as my new landlord both made sure that I knew all the details of the recycling system. Grocery store cashiers were also sure to inform me of how to dispose of the packaging of my purchases.
