Karlsruhe Focuses on Greater Cleanliness and Care for the Public Space – Emphasizing Environment and Climate

A Motion for Greater Cleanliness – Background and Goals

April 2026 brought a new impetus to the discussion on the maintenance of public spaces in Karlsruhe. The FDP/FW submitted a motion explicitly focused on the "improvement of general cleanliness and the appearance of Karlsruhe." The goal was to reduce pollution caused by litter, pigeon droppings, and neglected buildings, while simultaneously optimizing hygiene at bus stops and in green areas.

The motion also proposed contacting the city of Freiburg, which is considered a model due to its high standards of cleanliness. Particularly Freiburg's experience in managing its pigeon population—through measures such as feeding bans and pigeon houses—was deemed transferable to Karlsruhe. In addition, it was demanded that construction site facilities be dismantled within four weeks after completion to avoid unnecessary occupation of public space for longer than necessary.

Current Cleaning Strategies – What Is Already Being Implemented

Karlsruhe's municipal cleaning service is in operation 365 days a year. Approximately 100 employees, including bin collectors and 22 cleaning staff, ensure that streets, green spaces, bridges, and glass bin locations remain clean. In total, around 3,365 tons of waste are removed annually, with the total cleaning distance amounting to approximately 5,200 kilometers.

Another key focus is the reduction of cigarette butts, bottle caps, and other small types of litter. For this, Karlsruhe is utilizing technological innovations such as the AI-supported Littering Robot, which is being used in pilot projects. In addition, the Clean Karlsruhe Team (TSK) is actively engaged, supported by over 300 volunteer patrons and through educational projects at schools.

The city is also actively working on controlling the pigeon population. The Augsburg model is being applied, in which real eggs are replaced with dummies. In addition, feeding bans are in place, but they are only effective if enforced.

Challenges and Open Questions

Despite the extensive measures, challenges remain, especially regarding the long-term control of pigeon infestations and the maintenance of neglected buildings. Cleaning measures by external companies may be effective in the short term, but structural measures and the enforcement of feeding bans are decisive for sustainable results.

Another issue is the dismantling of construction site facilities. Although the FDP/FW motion stipulates that installations be removed within four weeks after completion, implementation in practice is often difficult. Responsibility lies with the property owners, who are not always cooperative.

Outlook – What Does the Future of Municipal Cleaning in Karlsruhe Look Like?

The FDP/FW motion has shown that the topic of cleanliness has a firm place in Karlsruhe's political agenda. The exchange with Freiburg and other municipalities will continue to adopt proven models. In addition, the use of innovations such as the Littering Robot and AI-based analytical methods is expected to be expanded.

In the long term, it is important to strengthen the cooperation between municipal cleaning, the municipal authority, the health department, and the veterinary services to sustainably reduce pigeon droppings in the Waldstadt center, for example. In addition, raising public awareness of the topic of cleanliness will remain a priority, especially through initiatives like the "Clean-Up Weeks."