Graphic: larryrains | Cesar von Meissen
SauberZauber at Baldeneysee and in the city of Essen
SauberZauber This is a litter collection campaign where citizens of Essen volunteer to remove litter and illegal dumping sites left behind by others, both at Baldeneysee and throughout the city. The campaign will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. All information about the SauberZauber campaign can be found at Baldeneysee.Ruhr.
Collect waste and avoid waste
The SauberZauber is a nationwide environmental education project implemented in many German cities. The project aims to raise awareness of environmental protection and cleanliness within the community. This primarily involves cleaning up public squares, parks, recreational areas, playgrounds, and streets. At the same time, it provides an opportunity to learn about and discuss topics such as waste prevention, recycling, and environmental protection.
With collector fork on the Baldeneysee
Along the Baldeneysee river, alongside private individuals, many local clubs and associations can be seen, with members of all ages picking up forks and pitchforks. Children, in particular, are participating with great enthusiasm. At the same time, they are raising their awareness of sustainable practices through hands-on learning. The riverbanks of the Baldeneysee are also well-cared for during the SauberZauber cleanup. Here, not only the debris blown into the water by the wind collects, but also everything the Ruhr River carries with it. Small pieces of trash are placed in the provided garbage bags and then deposited at collection points, which are visited by the Essen waste management company at the end of the cleanup. Floating debris is brought ashore before it is deposited in front of the... Dam can collect.
Hardworking young talent
Schools, neighborhood groups, and even businesses frequently participate in SauberZauber. The initiative was first launched in Essen in 2006, with 8,000 participants taking part in 170 events. The number of volunteers grows year after year. Last year, 26,219 citizens participated in 565 groups, with children and young people making up around 80 percent – a remarkable figure. In 2025, the 20th anniversary year of the initiative, 18,300 people in 375 groups had already registered with the Essen Volunteer Agency. This has established SauberZauber as one of the largest civic engagement initiatives in Essen.
Sense of community and responsibility
Behind initiatives like this lies the idea that a clean environment can increase well-being, create a sense of community, and promote respect and a sense of responsibility towards nature. Many of the participating groups combine their efforts with concluding celebrations, rewards, or a shared barbecue. Anyone who's now interested in lending a hand and, for example, helping out around the... Baldeneysee To clean up: the next SauberZauber is sure to come.
