Berlin to crack down on a beloved giveaway tradition

Berlin is planning to fine residents for leaving unwanted items on the street, a long-standing tradition that has seen people leave repurposable goods such as sofas and baby clothes for others to take. The city's environment department argues that this practice has led to excesses and increased costs for cleaning up, with €10.3 million spent last year to remove rubbish. Residents who fail to claim items will be fined, with penalties ranging from €150 to €15,000 depending on the item. The fines are intended to deter "incorrigible litterers" and encourage residents to use alternative disposal options such as neighborhood swap days or recycling centers. The new regulations are set to come into effect in the coming weeks. Residents have expressed concerns about the enforceability of the penalties.

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