Kyiv is drowning in garbage: authorities blame residents and threaten fines

Recently, residents of the capital have been complaining about piles of garbage that have been lying in various areas for weeks. In response, Carlos Tarife, the councilor for municipal affairs, stated that the problem is that "people are not following the rules for using garbage bins."

He reminded that employees of Valoriza, the company responsible for cleaning the city, "are not supposed to pick up garbage from the ground. It is everyone's responsibility to throw garbage in the bins."

According to the official, "there are fines for violating the rules, starting from 2,500 euros. Especially when there is a free phone number 922224849 to order the removal of unwanted items."

Thus, Tarife defended the cleaning service, which residents of the Uruguay district, Bernardino Semán streets, and Luis Celso Avenue had complained about. He assured that "we have excellent waste management rules, and we can fine those who violate them."

The first deputy mayor added that "municipal services will contact the police to conduct raids and fine those who litter in the city."

Tarife's statements caused a stir on social media. Many noted that "the city council should maintain cleanliness in the city, sweep the streets daily, and update the irrigation systems because the plants are drying out. Is that also our fault? We pay taxes to put up with all this?" one resident exclaimed.

It is reminded that new rules for waste management and cleaning of public places, which the city council approved back in December 2022, came into force in January 2023.

These rules state that the amount of the fine depends on the severity of the violation. Minor violations, such as urinating or spitting in the street, can be fined up to 750 euros. And for serious violations, such as throwing garbage not in the bins, there are fines from 2,000 to 100,000 euros. Leaving garbage bags near the bins is fined 2,500 euros.

The same fine is provided for non-compliance with the garbage disposal schedule (from 19:00 to 21:00), using bins for unintended purposes, and throwing unextinguished cigarettes into garbage cans.

Very serious violations are subject to fines of up to 3,000 euros, serious violations – 1,500 euros, and minor violations – 750 euros.

Fines will be imposed for throwing garbage not in the bins, removing or sorting garbage after it has been handed over to municipal services, as well as for throwing away animal waste that is not intended for human consumption.

In addition, penalties will be imposed for throwing away waste without bags (except for glass and paper) or pouring liquid waste into bins.

Carlos Tarife also complained about the situation in La Oya Park, where vandals tore out garbage cans. "This is a place where people walk with children and pets, and play sports. But there was some hooligan who destroys city furniture. Fortunately, there are more good people in Santa Cruz," the councilor concluded.