A gigantic litter problem on Austria's motorways
Austria's motorways and expressways are at risk, not only from traffic but from an incredible amount of litter, which increased by more than 9,000 tonnes in 2024. This alarming increase in waste is not only an aesthetic problem but also a major safety risk for all road users.
The shocking figures in detail
As ASFINAG, which is responsible for the administration of Austria's motorways and expressways, reports, more than 9,000 tonnes of litter were collected last year. This means the amount of litter has risen further compared to the previous year, when 8,500 tonnes were recorded. The federal states of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Tyrol, Styria and Carinthia are particularly affected, each showing a significant increase.
The dangerous consequences of carelessly discarded litter
ASFINAG warns of the immense dangers posed by carelessly discarded litter. "More than a quarter of this waste has to be collected manually," explains Tamara Christ, Managing Director of ASFINAG. "For our employees this is always associated with a certain risk, as it is carried out using daytime work sites in moving traffic."
These amounts of litter are not only a danger for the workers, but also for motorists. Bottles, cans and even paper and newspapers can become dangerous projectiles on motorways. Many accidents occur because drivers brake suddenly to avoid such objects.
Illegal dumping – a growing problem
Another major problem is the illegal dumping of waste, such as household rubbish or construction debris, along the roads. Entire pieces of furniture or car tires often end up at the roadside because people want to avoid the waste disposal fee or simply because it's more convenient.
These illegal deposits not only mean high costs but also dangerous work operations for ASFINAG staff, who have to collect the waste by hand.
The costs of waste disposal
Overall, the more than 9,000 tonnes of waste incur costs of just under nine million euros. This amount could certainly be put to better use if all road users followed the rules for waste disposal.
Initiatives against the waste problem
ASFINAG has been running initiatives against so-called "littering" for several years. All overhead signs carry the slogan "I am the motorway, not a rubbish bin" to point out that waste does not belong on the roads. To reduce the problem of single-use bottles, all rest areas are equipped with drinking water fountains where you can refill your own water bottle.
The 2024 waste ranking by federal state
- 2,141 tonnes in Lower Austria
- 1.553 tonnes in Upper Austria
- 1.449 tonnes in Tyrol
- 1.418 tonnes in Styria
- 1.284 tonnes in Carinthia
- 461 tonnes in Salzburg
- 411 tonnes in Burgenland
- 282 tonnes in Vorarlberg
- 21 tonnes in Vienna
Comparison with other countries and federal states
Compared with other European countries, Austria is not alone. In Germany, for example, similar problems with roadside litter can be observed. However, the measures and the efficiency of waste removal differ between countries. In Scandinavia, for example, where environmental awareness is more deeply rooted, the amounts of litter on the streets are significantly lower.
What does this mean for citizens?
For citizens, street litter primarily means one thing: higher costs. These costs are ultimately passed on to citizens through taxes and fees. In addition, the litter poses a safety risk that can, in the worst case, lead to accidents.
What do the experts say?
Experts warn that without a shift in societal thinking the waste problem will continue to grow. 'We need to raise people's environmental awareness and get them to dispose of waste properly,' says environmental researcher Dr. Lukas Gruber.
Future outlook: What can be done?
ASFINAG plans to strengthen controls and introduce tougher penalties for polluters. In addition, more campaigns are to be launched to educate citizens about the consequences of littering.
'Waste disposal is not just a matter of cleanliness, but also of safety and cost,' explains Tamara Christ. 'We all have to pull together to get this problem under control.'
It remains to be seen whether these measures will have an effect and whether the amount of litter on Austria's streets will fall again in the coming years.
