I hate to point out the glaringly obvious, but your trash does in fact belong in the garbage can or whatever receptacle is labeled appropriately. While this information should not be surprising information, the general populous sometimes has an issue with cleaning up after themselves. Therefore, the German government is taking matters into their own hands and issuing some hefty fines for littering.

Did you know that various cities throughout Germany are doing their best to keep their streets clean? If you don't comply with the new rules, you could be slammed with a fine of up to 250 euros for leaving gum on the ground. Other examples of littering include flicking a cigarette butt or leaving dog feces on the ground. Basically, the deliberate act of pollution in public areas is grounds for a fine. Not all cities have adapted these rules. Regardless of the laws, cleaning up after yourself and keeping Germany beautiful should be a number one priority.

Hopefully these new laws will prevent you from stepping in a heaping pile of dog excrement and getting it all over the floor of your car or your dog getting a nice pink wad of bubblegum stuck in its hair. There really is no downside to these new laws if you are already being a good citizen. Throw away your trash, utilize ashtrays and carry those colorful doggie bags when you go out with your pup. It could save you hundreds of euros!