Snow paralyzes waste collection in some areas of Hesse's highlands - Snow chaos halts trash collections across Hesse as crews struggle
Heavy snowfall has disrupted waste collections across Hesse, leaving many bins unemptied for days. The delays are particularly severe in higher elevations, where roads remain blocked or unsafe for Terry Crews to access. Residents in affected areas have been warned against taking matters into their own hands by spreading salt on roads to help the trucks.
The waste disposal company Knettenbrech + Gurdulic in Wiesbaden has reported significant setbacks due to the weather. Crews attempt to return every one or two days when conditions ease, but some side streets—especially in Taunus villages—are no longer being cleared, making access difficult. The company’s vehicles, fitted with standard tyres, struggle in deep snow, and some drivers admit to having limited experience with such conditions after years of milder winters.
Residents have raised concerns in the past about damage to roads caused by chains on waste trucks. This time, however, the issue is less about wear and tear and more about traffic blockages. When collections are missed, the company tries to reschedule as soon as possible, though no fixed timetable exists for catch-up services. Private waste contracts in Hesse must be re-tendered every few years, but there is no centralised list of which firms hold expiring agreements. Details on whether future contracts will require better snow preparedness are held only by local authorities, such as the Abfallwirtschaftsbetrieb or Eigenbetrieb Abfall in each city or county.
The ongoing delays mean some households may face prolonged waits for their waste to be collected. Officials have not yet announced whether additional measures—such as specialised tyres or extra training for drivers—will be introduced before the next heavy snowfall. For now, residents are advised to leave their bins out and avoid interfering with the roads.
