• Aachener Stadtbetrieb is once again organizing the popular municipal community event.
• This year's Spring Cleaning Week runs from March 31 to April 5.
• Groups and individuals can register now.

This year marks the 11th spring clean in the city of Aachen. "The central message of this popular campaign is that we have to work together, because we also share responsibility for our city," said Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen. "With spring cleaning, we are activating shared responsibility. The little people in the city in particular take this very seriously. It's a joy to see how the children walk through their surroundings and cheer each other on with the idea of who collects the most garbage."

So far, 3,750 registrations have been received by Aachener Stadtbetrieb, which is organizing the campaign, including 2,900 registrations from children via schools and daycare centres. Aachen residents can still register for the campaign week from March 31 to April 5. "This year, we have opened up the entire campaign period to all groups," explains Manuela Wolf, city cleaning officer at Aachener Stadtbetrieb. "Schools, day-care centres, clubs, companies, authorities, organizations and, of course, families and friends are all invited to take part."

Litter can be collected in all public areas, meadows, playgrounds and parks. This means that participants can also take part close to where they live - throughout the entire city. Nature conservation areas are excluded. Due to the breeding seasons of birds and other animal species, no waste should be collected directly under bushes.

Raising awareness of nature

Indra Balsam, Operations Manager of Aachen's municipal services, emphasizes: "The experience of the participants leads them to perceive the environment and their own surroundings differently. With the spring clean, we sensitize people and raise awareness for nature." Heiko Thomas, Councillor for Climate and Environment, Municipal Operations and Buildings of the City of Aachen, adds: "We use the week to get into conversation together, both in terms of urban cleanliness and waste reduction."

Find out more and get into conversation - this will be possible on Saturday, April 5. That's when Aachen's municipal services will also be holding an event at the Elisenbrunnen fountain. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors to the Elisenbrunnen rotunda can expect information on the topic of waste separation, painting activities for children and hands-on waste collection activities as well as information on career opportunities at Aachener Stadtbetrieb.

Registration

Participants and groups can now register using the form at www.aachen.de/fruehjahrsputz. Further information on spring cleaning is also summarized there.

Municipal waste bags, grippers and gloves (also for children) are provided free of charge by Aachener Stadtbetrieb. Schools and day-care centers that register for spring cleaning will be supplied with the necessary material by the municipal company at an agreed time. All other participants can obtain the equipment (after registering) from the district offices, the citizens' service or from Aachener Stadtbetrieb.

When registering, it is important that the location where the full bin bags are to be deposited is described precisely so that the collected waste can also be found by Aachener Stadtbetrieb. Important: Aachener Stadtbetrieb may only collect waste that is deposited on public streets.