The city of Dortmund is gearing up for its annual environmental cleanup, known as "Rama-Dama," set to take place on Saturday, March 29, at 1 PM. This initiative aims to rid local natural areas—particularly waterways, hedgerows, and landscapes—of litter and debris. Following approximately two hours of cleanup, volunteers are invited to gather for light refreshments, making it not only a productive effort but also a community gathering.
Registration for this event is open until Monday, March 17, at the Bürgerbüro (Citizen's Office), located in room E 01. Participants can collect waste bags for the effort, which will be disposed of by the local municipal services. This call for volunteers isn't just about picking up trash; it's also about coming together as neighbors to make Dortmund's environment cleaner and more inviting for everyone.
Unlike previous years, this year the Dortmund Environmental Office alongside EDG (Entsorgung Dortmund GmbH) invites citizens, associations, and local groups to take part in waste collection actions throughout March. From the 1st through the 31st, residents can sign up for cleanup efforts and, as always, the initiative aims to eliminate littering within the community—a cause embraced by thousands of volunteers annually.
To make participation easier, all interested individuals can register online until the 16th of March via the EDG website at www.edg.de/cleanupdo. New this year, volunteers can also collect necessary materials from one of the six recycling centers across the city, not only at the EDG administration office. The organizers encourage the reuse of existing materials as much as possible, due to limited storage for rental grabbers.
Those who take manual labor through collective cleanup operations have something more than just pride to look forward to: participation offers the chance to win exciting cash and material prizes. Specifically, there’s a monetary prize totaling €1,500—divided among three winning groups—designed to motivate schools and community groups to engage deeply with the environment. Individual participants can also compete for exclusive prizes, including a €150 voucher for unique local experiences.
Mark your calendar for the grand closure celebration of the cleanup initiative on April 5, happening at 12 PM at Reinoldikirchplatz. Here, the winners of the competition will be recognized, and the event will feature various activities including games and informational booths from the Environmental Office and EDG. Children can enjoy their time by participating in the popular street sweeper course, proving educational and fun at the same time. Vehicle displays from the EDG fleet will also entertain attendees, showcasing equipment and efforts for maintaining city cleanliness and safety.
For inquiries, the EDG action team can be contacted at (0231) 9.111-999 or via email. Details on the initiative and more can be found on the EDG’s website or through their mobile app, which can be downloaded on Android and iOS. This year promises not only to engage the community but also to inject liveliness through tangible benefits, underscoring the importance of their collaborative efforts.
By participating, Dortmund residents don’t just improve their surroundings; they enrich their own lives through community engagement and proactive environmental stewardship. It’s more than just cleaning up—it's about creating shared spaces we can all be proud of.