Photo: Bianca Killmann
Active for Essen's green oases - every contribution counts
From February 28 to March 15, 2026, the motto in Essen will once again be: garbage tongs out, gloves on - the 21. SauberZauber starts! Especially around the Baldeneyseeone of the city's most popular local recreation areas, will once again be diligently collecting garbage and freeing nature from garbage - whether carelessly thrown away or driven by the water. The campaign invites all citizens to become active and work together to ensure healthy flora and fauna and create a clean, liveable environment
Baldeneysee in focus
Baldeneysee is not only a hotspot for walkers and sports enthusiasts - it is also a symbol of the green soul of Essen and the Ruhr region. However, heavily frequented places such as the banks and lakeside paths, picnic areas, benches, parking bays and viewpoints suffer from carelessly discarded garbage. That's why the organizers of SauberZauber are specifically calling on people to get more involved around the lake this year. Whether at the regatta tower below the Villa Hügelat Seaside Beach Baldeney, Haus Scheppen or along the popular Baldeneysee- every helping hand is needed.
Clubs and groups active on the lake
Numerous groups from the fields of water sports, nature and environmental protection as well as local initiatives around Baldeneysee have already registered. Rowing clubs, sailing clubs and scout groups are planning their own collection campaigns along their club grounds and adjacent shore areas - some of them have been doing so for years. Schools from Werden and Heisingen also want to get active with their classes and thus set an example for environmental awareness.
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More InformationVideo: Ehrenamt Agentur Essen e.V.
Materials and logistics
Entsorgungsbetriebe Essen (EBE) will provide garbage bags, gloves and tongs for all those who register. Particularly practical: the high-quality gloves are washable and last for several years - so they can be reused in future campaigns. What's more, the red SauberZauber are collected after the campaign and do not have to be taken away. Anyone who already has equipment from previous years is asked to reuse it. This saves resources and also protects the environment.
Free ride to the collection point
On the main campaign day, all participants will receive free travel on the Ruhrbahn with the SauberZauberer - ideal for getting to Baldeneysee in comfort. The sticker should be worn visibly and is of course biodegradable - in line with the principle of sustainability. Even if it is certainly not the primary reason for taking part: prizes will be raffled off among all registered participants. Sponsors such as Ruhrverband, Geno Bank, Allbau, Seaside Beach Baldeney, Privatbrauerei Jacob Stauder, Lichtburg and others are donating non-cash prizes, vouchers and even cinema screenings for entire school classes.
Register now - deadline until January 23, 2026
Anyone who would like to take part can register via the sauberzauber.de website until January 23, 2026. There you will also find information on public collection campaigns around Baldeneysee that you can join, as well as tips on organizing your own groups.
A strong symbol for nature and community
The SauberZauber campaign in Essen and therefore also around Baldeneysee and along the banks of the Ruhr is certainly more than just collecting garbage - it is an expression of responsibility, solidarity and mindful interaction with nature. Everyone can do their bit to keep Essen's green oases clean - for healthy flora and fauna and for all of us.
