The BerlinPay program is inspired by the Copenhagen (Denmark) model, which calls on tourists to behave environmentally friendly with experiential rewards.
This is the core idea of the "BerlinPay" program. Participants, for example by collecting garbage or supporting social projects, will receive incentives at museums, partner restaurants or experiences in Berlin. The sustainable behavior of visitors is expected to be clearly recorded.
The city is still looking for suitable partners, because rewards need to be attractive enough to match efforts. Berlin expects to create a "positive circle": participants will be more attached to their surrounding living environment, feel appreciated, and thereby continue to contribute and receive positive experiences.
This model is described by the tourism promotion agency Visit Berlin on its official website.
The goal of the program is to encourage conscious behavior, especially related to the water environment, in the context that the theme of the German capital is waterway tourism.
Accordingly, anyone who "collects trash, improves neighborhoods or supports social projects" can receive small incentives or special experiences from participating partners.
Berlin is calling for the participation of businesses and initiatives, prioritizing units related to river space such as transportation service providers, water sports, tourism, restaurants, as well as cultural and educational organizations. Incentives can be flexible, from small gifts to separate promotions.
BerlinPay is expected to be launched in a campaign form in the summer of 2026, associated with the city's waterway tourism theme. The project is supported by the Berlin Department of Economy, Energy and Public Enterprises. The entire program is expected to be announced in mid-May.
Meanwhile, Berlin is facing an increasing problem of waste. However, it can be affirmed that illegal dumping of garbage such as furniture or old washing machines is difficult to blame on tourists.
The cost of treating illegally dumped waste in Berlin last year was about 13.1 million euros, up from 10.3 million euros last year, according to the city sanitation agency. Neukölln district alone recorded about 15,000 complaints per year related to waste.
Besides bulky waste, small types of waste such as cigarette butt filters or packaging also contribute significantly to public space pollution.
The Berlin government is tightening sanctions, including a sharp increase in fines. From the end of 2025, the act of throwing a cigarette butt can be fined up to 250 euros, instead of 55 euros previously, and in serious cases it can be up to 3,000 euros.
Illegal dumping of bulky waste can be fined from 1,500 to 11,000 euros depending on the volume, and up to 15,000 euros for hazardous waste. In addition to increasing fines, the city also promotes inspections and adds personnel to the order management force to detect violations more regularly and implement stricter regulations.
