Berlin Pilot Project: Collect Trash for Tourist Rewards

Berlin is preparing to launch an unconventional pilot project designed to tackle its urban waste problem by turning tourists into temporary cleanup crews. Under a new initiative called “BerlinPay,” visitors to the German capital will be encouraged to collect litter—specifically from the city’s waterways—in exchange for vouchers and exclusive experiences.

The program, developed by the state-owned tourism marketing company Visit Berlin and the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Enterprises, aims to motivate guests toward more responsible behavior on and around the city’s waters. By rewarding sustainable actions, the city hopes to reduce pollution in the Spree and other local canals and lakes.

This “cleaning vacation” concept is not an original invention but an adaptation of “CopenPay,” a successful model implemented in Copenhagen, Denmark. Berlin’s Economic Senator Franziska Giffey (SPD) noted that the city intends to follow the example of the very clean Danish capital to improve its own environmental standards according to reports from Tagesspiegel.

How BerlinPay Works: Rewards for Sustainability

The core mechanism of BerlinPay is a reward system for “climate-friendly deeds.” Visitors who engage in environmentally conscious behavior—such as collecting waste, beautifying their neighborhood (Kiez), or supporting social projects—can earn recognition from participating partners. These rewards are described as little advantages or “exclusive Berlin experiences.”

Unlike some modern digital initiatives, Visit Berlin has stated that the project will avoid the use of a dedicated app or complex technical infrastructure. The goal is to preserve the process accessible and straightforward for both the tourists and the local businesses involved.

The scope of the project focuses heavily on Berlin’s “water worlds.” This includes the Spree river, various canals, and the city’s lakes. To facilitate this, some participants may be equipped with trash bins and gripping tongs, and in some instances, people may paddle through the waterways to fish out debris.

The Danish Inspiration: CopenPay

The blueprint for this initiative is the CopenPay model in Copenhagen. In Denmark, the government lures tourists with tangible incentives such as free museum entries, guided tours, or complimentary drinks (like coffee or cocktails) if they assist in collecting litter or maintaining parks. The Danish model also rewards sustainable travel choices, such as arriving in the city via bicycle or public transportation.

By adopting this approach, Berlin aims to become one of the first major cities to implement its own version of this specific sustainability-incentive model. The project is designed to shift the mindset of visitors, transforming them from passive consumers of the city into active contributors to its upkeep.

Addressing the Crisis of Illegal Waste

The push for BerlinPay comes amid significant financial and logistical challenges regarding city cleanliness. The pressure to find innovative solutions is high, as the city’s waste management service, BSR, reportedly spent 13 million euros in 2025 alone to dispose of illegally deposited waste as reported by NIUS.

Economic Senator Franziska Giffey has highlighted the link between littering and a lack of respect for the city, stating that throwing trash on the street is equivalent to throwing away respect for Berlin. This sentiment aligns with a broader strategy by Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) to increase the city’s capacity to fight illegal dumping. This includes discussions regarding an “attitude turbo” for “trash sheriffs”—officials tasked with identifying and penalizing those who litter.

Beyond tourist incentives, the city is exploring more stringent measures. We find ongoing discussions regarding a packaging tax, similar to a model introduced in neighboring Potsdam in July, where consumers pay specific fees for to-proceed cups (50 cents) and cutlery (20 cents) to discourage single-use waste.

Partnerships and Implementation

For BerlinPay to succeed, the city requires a network of local businesses and institutions to provide the rewards. Visit Berlin is currently searching for cooperation partners, specifically those with a connection to the city’s waterways. The call for participation is open to various sectors, including:

• Water sports and leisure providers
• Tourism and hospitality (hotels and gastronomy)
• Cultural and educational institutions
• Mobility providers
• Environmental and urban initiatives

The project is slated for a wider rollout in the summer of 2026, targeting the peak tourist season when the city’s waterways are most frequented by visitors.

Key Takeaways of the BerlinPay Initiative

• Objective: Reduce waste in Berlin’s rivers, canals, and lakes through tourist participation.
• Incentives: Vouchers, discounts, and exclusive experiences provided by partner businesses.
• Model: Based on the “CopenPay” system used in Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Target Date: Planned for implementation in Summer 2026.
• Focus: Emphasis on “water worlds” and sustainable behavior without the need for a complex app.

What Happens Next?

The city is moving toward a formal presentation of the project. According to reports, the detailed concept for BerlinPay is expected to be unveiled before the Pentecost holiday. A specific press event is scheduled for May 13, where Economic Senator Franziska Giffey and other officials will provide further details and official information regarding the program’s rollout per the Berliner Zeitung.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts: Would you collect litter during your vacation in exchange for a free coffee or museum ticket? Let us know in the comments below and share this story with your fellow travelers.