Hesse cities crack down on littering with steep fines and new strategies

A €600 fine for leaving dog waste on playgrounds? Hanau's harsh new rules spark debate. See how Hesse's cities are splitting over trash and order.

, and Administrator

2026 February 16 . 5:05 AM

2 min read

The image shows a city street with a sidewalk, trash cans, street light, trash bin/can, electric... — The image shows a city street with a sidewalk, trash cans, street light, trash bin/can, electric poles with wires, vehicles on the road, buildings with windows, trees, and a sky with clouds in the background.

More Fines for More Cleanliness - Hesse cities crack down on littering with steep fines and new strategies

Cities across Hesse are taking different approaches to tackling littering and public order violations. While some have raised fines sharply for waste management issues like dropping cigarette butts or not picking up dog waste, others are focusing on education or keeping existing penalties in place. The changes reflect varying strategies to keep streets and public spaces clean.

Hanau has introduced some of the strictest measures from 1 February 2026. Fines for dropping cigarette butts or chewing gum now cost €120, up from €75. Failing to pick up dog waste on streets carries a €400 penalty, rising from €120, while the same offence on playgrounds now costs €600 instead of €200. Feeding pigeons or fish in public areas will also set offenders back €200, compared to the previous €75. The city has also increased enforcement checks, with maximum fines reaching up to €5,000 depending on the severity of the case.

Frankfurt has also raised penalties, though exact figures remain undisclosed. The revised fines for littering cigarette butts, public urination, dog waste violations, and illegal bulk waste dumping are now several times higher than before. Meanwhile, Gießen is adopting a more flexible system, adjusting fines based on intent and whether the offence is a repeat violation.

In contrast, Kassel is shifting focus away from penalties. The city plans to rely more on warnings and educational campaigns to reduce littering and public order issues. Wiesbaden and Rüsselsheim, however, have chosen to keep their existing fine structures unchanged. Wiesbaden's penalties, in place since 2013, remain at €100 for dog waste on streets, €125 in parks, and €150 on playgrounds.

The new rules mean residents and visitors in Hanau and Frankfurt now face much steeper fines for waste management and related offences. Gießen's flexible approach and Kassel's emphasis on education offer alternative solutions. For now, Wiesbaden and Rüsselsheim show no signs of altering their long-standing penalty systems.