Cleanliness in Rustengasse: Garbage problem solved thanks to Billa!

Cleanliness in Rustengasse: Garbage problem solved thanks to Billa!

There was recently a significant cleanliness problem in Rustengasse in Vienna's 15th district of Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus. Residents complained about garbage accumulation near the local Billa, which was caused by a lack of garbage bins. This situation led to unsightly conditions on sidewalks and grass verges. Rapid cooperation between the district council, authorities and the supermarket operator proved to be groundbreaking in solving the problem.

The district leader Dietmar Baurecht from the SPÖ explained the legal and space-related challenges associated with installing manure bins. But action was taken quickly and easily: Billa placed a garbage can right in front of his entrance. This measure is already having a clear impact - waste in the area has noticeably decreased. The pollution in Rustengasse was successfully combated, which not only made the residents happy, but also contributed to a better cityscape.

Digital aids for waste avoidance

But not only locally, but also at the city level, a lot is being done to ensure a clean environment. Vienna takes care of the entire waste generated by its more than two million residents and relies on innovative waste management. The possibilities for waste disposal and separation are also enhanced by technologies such as: 48 app supports. This app not only offers a city map with the locations of waste collection points and problematic substance collections, but also a practical reminder service for mobile problematic substance collections and MA 48 events.

There is also a Mist ABC guide that not only offers helpful information on waste separation, but also provides useful contacts on environmentally relevant topics. There are also numerous initiatives, such as the eco-event consultancy from DIE UMWELTBERATUNG, which promotes environmentally friendly events.

Vienna's commitment to sustainable waste management

“Vienna is committed to future-oriented waste management,” emphasizes a report from Ecobusiness Vienna. The new waste management plan goes beyond just avoiding waste and focuses on innovative approaches, such as lending instead of owning and developing reusable products. These efforts made it possible to reduce the amount of residual waste produced per capita by 15% in 2024 compared to 2005. Vienna has even achieved a top position among European capitals in this discipline and takes third place in separate waste collection.

With the aim of viewing the remaining waste as a valuable resource, the city is planning, among other things, to recycle sewage sludge. From 2024, this process will be intensified to recover phosphorus as fertilizer. The capacity of the existing biogas plant is also to be doubled, which will allow additional valuable materials to be obtained from residual waste.

Vienna puts a lot into conserving resources, and 2025 is even being billed as the “Year of the Circular Economy”. Measures to improve waste management are not only a benefit for the environment, but also an important step for a liveable Vienna.