From July 2nd onwards, green waste may only be delivered by residents of Nauheim
The municipality of Nauheim is reacting to the increasing spread of the Japanese beetle in neighboring Trebur and is tightening regulations at the recycling center as a precautionary measure. From Thursday, July 2nd, green waste deliveries will only be permitted from residents of Nauheim. This measure aims to prevent the invasive pest from establishing itself in Nauheim.
The background to this is a general order issued by the Giessen Regional Council. Due to its proximity to where the Japanese beetle was found, Nauheim is currently part of the so-called buffer zone, where special protective measures apply to contain further spread.
Significantly more beetle sightings than last year
In the infested area of Trebur, Japanese beetles are currently being trapped using special pheromone traps. While only a few specimens were found last year, more than 200 beetles have already been recorded at the beginning of this year's season. According to the plant protection service of the Giessen regional council, around 100 more are being found daily – so far within a limited area.
Against this background, the municipality of Nauheim has decided on a precautionary restriction. Visitors to the recycling center will henceforth be required to present their identity card or an equivalent document when dropping off green waste. The data will only be checked and not stored.
Goal: Nauheim should remain a buffer zone
Mayor Marc Friedrich emphasizes that this is explicitly a precautionary measure: “We want to act early, before it’s too late. The Japanese beetle poses a significant threat to agriculture, horticulture, green spaces, and numerous plant species. The situation in Trebur shows how quickly a population can multiply. Our goal is therefore to do everything possible to ensure that Nauheim remains a buffer zone and does not itself become an infestation zone.”
Should the pest continue to spread and Nauheim be declared an infestation zone in the future, the municipality says that significantly more extensive restrictions for citizens, gardening and landscaping companies, construction companies and agriculture would be expected.
The municipality therefore asks for understanding regarding the new regulation. The more consistently precautions are taken now, the greater the chances of avoiding more extensive measures in the future.
(NAUHEIM – RED/PSN)
