Berlin Clean-Up Challenge
On April 11 and 19, the Berlin Clean-Up Challenge took place in Berlin. The WIR.DE team, in collaboration with Sauber, invited participants to take part in a unique experiment. This wasn’t just another community clean-up day, but a high-energy format of urban eco-activism that turned cleaning into a thrilling competition.
Format
Teams from 5 to 15 people
Gather your colleagues or friends, or just come by yourself—we’ll find a team for you!
Limited Cleanup Radius
The specific direction for cleaning within a set radius will be determined on-site, depending on the number of teams.
Limited Cleanup Time
All teams start collecting trash at the same time and finish at exactly 12:00 PM.
By this time, teams must bring their collected trash to the meeting point in front of the library.
By this time, teams must bring their collected trash to the meeting point in front of the library.
5
Teams
121
Participants
150
Bags of garbage
10
Buckets of glass
33.5
Liters of cigarette butts
Results
Clean-Up Challenge
Clean-Up Challenge
After-party
Following the Clean-Up was an after-party.
The Clean-Up results were summarized, the winners were awarded, and participants enjoyed refreshments and informal socializing.
The Clean-Up results were summarized, the winners were awarded, and participants enjoyed refreshments and informal socializing.
How can you help us?
1. Equipment & Inventory
- Tools: Provision of shovels, rakes, brooms, etc.
- Consumables: Garbage bags (especially biodegradable ones), gloves, etc.
- Workwear: Branded vests (with sponsor and organizer logos), caps, or raincoats.
2. Catering
- Food: Meals for participants (hot meals / healthy snacks like fruit).
- Beverages: Water, tea, coffee.
3. Motivation and Prizes (Gifts)
- Merchandise: Eco-bags, reusable thermal mugs, notebooks made from recycled paper, etc.
4. Information and Expert Partnership
- Promotion: Announcements on company social media, newsletters to the client database, printing of banners and marketing materials.
If you are ready to become our partner, contact us at lab.wir.de@gmail.com!
How was the winner determined?
1
Trash Titan Award – for the team with the most bags of trash (per person).
2
Müllfluencer Award – for the most creative photo or selfie (Müll-Selfie).
3
Trash Treasure Award – for the most unexpected or unusual find.
4
Butt Hunter Award – for the largest amount of collected cigarette butts.
5
Crystal Clear Award – for the largest amount of collected glass.
6
Needle Collector Award – for the largest amount of collected syringes.
FAQ
We provide gloves, bags, and tools for trash collection!
What to bring with you: * Pack light: Heavy backpacks and extra weight will only get in the way.
What to bring with you: * Pack light: Heavy backpacks and extra weight will only get in the way.
- Water: It’s better to bring extra, even if organizers plan to provide some.
- Bag/Backpack: Something that is easy to leave at the hub or wear without discomfort.
- Clothing and Footwear: Comfortable work clothes that you don't mind getting dirty or torn.
- Long sleeves—especially if cleaning in bushes (to avoid scratches).
- Weather-appropriate: rain jacket—optional.
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles.
- Headwear (cap/sun hat).
- Insect repellent (mosquito spray, tick protection, Fenistil or similar for bites).
- Check your vaccinations (we recommend a tetanus shot).
- A touch of self-irony and a "willingness to struggle a little".
We will find a common language with every participant. Most volunteers speak Russian, English, or German.
Yes, of course. This is an event for the whole family. Please note that during the cleanup, you may encounter syringes, rodents, and insects, as well as homeless people or people using substances. They may be aggressive and potentially dangerous for children.
Children under 16 are not counted toward the team participant total but are welcome to participate in trash collection.
Children under 16 are not counted toward the team participant total but are welcome to participate in trash collection.
Yes, of course. Anyone can join. The main goal is to make Berlin cleaner!
Organizers
Partners
