Witnesses wanted: Illegal waste disposal threatens Orlamünde's nature!

Witnesses wanted: Illegal waste disposal threatens Orlamünde's nature!

Orlamünde, Deutschland - In Orlamünde, a worrying incident of illegal waste disposal was found on July 7, 2025. An attentive witness discovered Wellas stocks near the Biehler Tower, which alerted the local authorities. The garbage that was unloaded between the districts of Orlamünde and Dienstädt includes around three cubic meters of building rubble, including several asbestos plates. The crime occurred in the period from July 2, 2025, 9:00 a.m. until July 3, 2025, 4:00 p.m. The Saale-Holzland police have initiated the process and is now looking for witnesses who can provide information about this incident. Messages can be submitted on the phone number 0361 5743-56100 or by email to pi.saale-holzland@polizeien.de 172986/2025. This incident is classified as an environmental impact, which underlines the seriousness of the situation.

The legal foundations for such acts are defined in various environmental laws. According to the Environmental Federal Office , environmental impacts are serious violations that can be punished with money or even prison terms. Examples include illegal waste disposal and inadmissible exemption from pollutants. In the event of administrative offenses, such as the establishment of a system that requires approval without permission, fines of up to 50,000 euros can be imposed. Particularly serious violations can even result in imprisonment of up to 15 years.

Legal framework for environmental crimes

The legal provisions for punishing environmental criminal offenses are comprehensive and recorded in §§ 324 to 330a of the Criminal Code (StGB). Also the Environmental Criminal Law stipulates that both natural persons and companies can be held responsible for environmental violations. Interestingly, it has been possible since 2017 to skim company profits that result from the crimes. The legislature has implemented this to provide environmental protection.

In addition, the Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that society has a crucial role in protecting the environment. Cooperation with authorities and environmental associations is essential to punish such offenses and prevent future crimes. Enlightenment about environmental issues is an important step to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection and to prevent illegal activities such as those in Orlamünde.

The current situation in Orlamünde makes it clear that environmental protection not only affects legal regulations, but also requires the commitment of each individual. Therefore, the authorities are dependent on the help of the population in order to uncover and pursue such acts in good time. The protection of our environment is common and every hint can be decisive.