Asfinag registered more than 7900 tons of waste on the highways last year. This means that the amount of waste is equal to that of 2021, according to a broadcast on Tuesday. The highway company is concerned about carelessly discarded waste. “Bottles and cans, in particular, become projectiles when the wind carries them from the parking lot onto the road or when they are flung out of the window,” says Asfinag.
“PET drinking bottles, cans, food scraps and snack packs, which are often either simply thrown on the ground at rest areas and parking lots – sometimes right next to designated waste containers – or even tossed out of a moving car, are not only unsavory, they can also pose a hazard,” says Asfinag environmental expert Heimo Berghold.
Falls in Lower Austria, Styria and Upper Austria
Asfinag registered a slight decrease in the amount of waste of five percent in the states of Lower Austria, Styria and Upper Austria. In Tyrol, on the other hand, an increase of 13 percent was recorded. “It can be concluded that holiday travel by car has gained momentum again after the corona-related traffic slump,” the broadcast said. The absolute largest amount of waste was registered in Lower Austria with 1833 tonnes.
Illegal dumping of household waste or construction waste
The illegal dumping of household waste or construction waste is also a problem.
“Sometimes entire pieces of furniture, car tires or the like end up next to the routes because people want to save themselves the collection charge or because it is simply more convenient. For us, this means a huge collection effort that has to be done manually, and ultimately also an increase in costs,” says Berghold.
“Dangerous Work Assignments”
On Tuesday, Asfinag also referred to the extra costs due to waste on the highways. A quarter of the total amount of waste has to be collected manually. “This creates unnecessary, dangerous work along and along the route and, of course, additional costs.” Asfinag also emphasized on Tuesday that all rest areas are equipped with drinking water fountains where you can fill your own drinking bottle. This should ensure that fewer bottles are thrown away.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
