This is how many tons of trash will be collected from Austria's motorways by 2025

In 2025, 8,915 tonnes of waste were collected from Austria's motorways and expressways, according to a statement released by the motorway operator Asfinag. This represents a decrease of 105 tonnes compared to 2024. The increase in waste was recorded in Carinthia, Salzburg, Burgenland, and Vorarlberg, while Vienna saw more than double the amount of waste collected compared to the previous year. Other federal states registered a decline in waste volumes. Niederösterreich had the highest amount of waste with 1,975 tonnes, followed by Upper Austria with 1,504 tonnes and Tyrol with 1,380 tonnes. In 2024, approximately 21 tonnes of waste were collected from Vienna’s motorways, whereas in 2025 this figure rose to 47 tonnes. The cost associated with collecting this waste amounted to nearly nine million euros in 2025. Carelessly discarded waste poses a high risk. If waste is disposed of properly, such as at motorway rest areas and parking lots, it does not present a problem. However, carelessly thrown away waste, especially when it ends up on the carriageway, presents a safety hazard. Approximately 2,200 tonnes of waste were manually collected by Asfinag employees last year. The nearly 9,000 tonnes of waste corresponded to costs of almost nine million euros. At high speeds, even small objects can become major problems. Bottles or cans could become real projectiles, and paper, such as newspapers, poses a significant danger during sudden braking or evasive maneuvers. This can lead to accidents. Asfinag stated that proper disposal protects people. “Our employees collect the waste using temporary work sites, this always involves some risk for our colleagues. Because this work takes place in moving traffic, great attention is required from road users. And carelessly disposed waste on the carriageway endangers not only our Asfinag employees but also all other road users,” explained Asfinag managing director Tamara Christ. Those who dispose of waste correctly contribute to protecting people. Another major issue is the illegal dumping of household waste or construction debris. Sometimes entire pieces of furniture or car tires end up beside the route. This often happens simply because people want to avoid paying the waste disposal fee or find it more convenient, according to Asfinag. A campaign for a safe workplace was launched in the summer. The campaign titled “My mom/my dad work for you. Thank you for looking after them” aims to raise awareness that work on the motorways and expressways is carried out by people. The ministry, Asfinag, and the ÖAMTC are involved in this initiative.