Speyer focuses on sustainable waste management and forestry policy – March 2026 in the spotlight

Sustainability in Speyer: March 2026 in the environmental spotlight

In March 2026, the city of Speyer made several significant decisions in the areas of environment and climate that will shape its future waste management and forestry policies. With the goal of preserving resources and promoting climate protection, Speyer is focusing on innovation and sustainability in wastewater and waste management as well as in forestry.

Waste Management Concept 2026–2029: Key priorities and implementation

The city of Speyer has adopted the Waste Management Concept 2026–2029, which will serve as a guideline for the next three years. A central focus is on the collection of textile waste, especially in light of the declining number of collectors. To improve the collection of used textiles, the city is installing used clothing containers at selected locations—mainly at glass container sites.

The MySpeyer app will in the future show the locations of these containers, providing residents with better orientation and transparency. In addition, a site concept for collection containers and their operation is being developed to ensure long-term planning security.

Another goal is the disposal of residual waste, particularly through the assessment of the connection rate of biowaste bins and the evaluation of by-law regulations for biowaste bin obligations. The 2026 investment plan also includes funds for the procurement of recyclable material containers, indicating a stronger focus on the collection of recyclable materials.

Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Facility: Planning and Environmental Compatibility

In connection with waste management, the Zoning Plan No. 077 "Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Facility Speyer" was also in focus. The planning of this facility was discussed in public meetings, including species protection analyses and the evaluation of compensatory areas. The zoning plan was reviewed and presented in a more detailed form, with the focus on environmental compatibility.

The Waste Disposal Companies Speyer (EBS) are the key actors here. As a public-law waste management entity (örE) under the Circular Economy Act (KrWG) and the Rhineland-Palatinate Circular Economy Act (LKrWG), the EBS are responsible. The EBS not only manage waste disposal, but also wastewater treatment in accordance with the Water Resources Act (WHG) and the State Water Act (LWG). The goal is to avoid and safely dispose of waste and wastewater.

Vision "Speyerer Modell": Sustainability in the City Forest

Another highlight of the month was the presentation of the vision "Speyerer Modell", which serves as a sustainability strategy for the city and citizens' hospital forest of Speyer. The vision serves as the basis for the Infrastructure Development Program 2026–2036 and the medium-term operational planning. The aim is to sustainably manage the city forest and preserve it for future generations.

The vision outlines specific environmental protection measures:

• Planned felling rate limited to a maximum of 2 solid cubic meters per hectare
• Felling ban on sessile oak, pedunculate oak, and European beech from the age of 80 years
• No use of fully mechanized timber harvesting systems (harvester, forwarder)
• No planting of non-native tree species in the city forest

These measures were developed in cooperation with the State Forests, the BUND, the Nature Conservation Advisory Board, and the Working Group on Forestry. However, the administration continues to criticize the inclusion of certain points—in particular the restrictions on felling rates and felling—as they could potentially affect the economic viability of the city forest.

Outlook: Sustainability as a central guideline

The decisions of March 2026 show that Speyer is actively committed to sustainable urban development. With the new waste management concept, the planning of the construction and demolition waste recycling facility, and the "Speyerer Modell" for the city forest, the city is focusing on long-term solutions that take into account both ecological and economic aspects.

In the coming months, it will be particularly important to monitor the implementation of the measures and, if necessary, make adjustments. The link between public participation, scientific support, and political decision-making will be crucial in advancing Speyer's climate goals and sustainability strategy.