Spring cleaning traditionally ends at the beginning of the summer – and 2025 marks a new highlight: As many environmental campaigns have never been carried out in Lower Austria before in Lower Austria.
“Our spring cleaning ‘We keep Lower Austria clean’ recorded 944 collection campaigns, in which 45,000 volunteers together 150,000 kilograms of paths remove paths and meadows,” announced LH deputy Stephan Pernkopf and LAbg. Anton Kasser, President of the Lower Austria environmental associations.
What started as a pilot project in 2006 has developed into the largest environmental movement in the state – supported by committed citizens, communities, associations and schools. In 2025 the campaign is under a clear sign: more participation, more effect and more responsibility.
“People want to help shape – we feel that every year more clearly”
One thing shows that this year as many actions have never been implemented: people are proud of our homeland and are committed to a clean environment. To do this, they also tackle the edge of the path, meadows and paths ”explains LH deputy Stephan Pernkopf. At the same time, this success also warns of reflection:“ It would be better if not so much garbage ends up in our landscape! Our home of Lower Austria is rich in wonderful nature and cultural landscapes. But we also have to look at that. ”
More awareness year after year – but also more waste?
Also LAbg. Anton Kasser, President of the Lower Austria environmental associations, sees success as an appeal in politics and society: “Spring cleaning is a success story, but not a solution in the long run. The increasing participation is gratifying – but it would be more sustainable if we get the cause under control: carelessly throw away. Especially one -way packaging is a major challenge.”
Impulse for long -term improvements now also come from legislation: since the beginning of 2025 the disposable deposit on plastic bottles and beverage cans has been in effect in Austria. Many voluntary collectors already report on a noticeable decline in these waste in nature.
What is in the bushes tells stories
In addition to typical finds such as PET bottles, cans or cigarette stumbles, bizarre waste again ensured conversation:
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a lost passport,
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A battery ear
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Batteries
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Disposable e-cigarettes
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as well as several clothes
These finds are more than curiosities – they are symbols of a disposable mentality that wants to actively counter the initiative.
Spring cleaning as an educational project and community experience
The participation of schools and youth groups was particularly strong in 2025. The teachers report that spring cleaning is no longer just an excursion, but an important element of environmental education. Children learn immediately how long waste remains in nature – and how complex it is to remove it again.
Strong local partners: without the regional waste associations unthinkable
A central success factor of the spring cleaning is the 22 regional waste associations and three statutory cities that carry the campaign throughout Lower Austria. They provide collecting materials such as garbage bags, gloves, gripping tongs and warning vests free of charge, take care of the collection and professional disposal of the collected waste – and ensure that every single action runs smoothly.
In addition, many associations support the participants with regional prices, small snacks or recognitions on site. This makes the spring cleaning not only the environmental campaign, but also in many places also a community experience.