Berlin residents will once again be prohibited from using rock salt on sidewalks following a ruling by the Berlin Administrative Court on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The court overturned a temporary measure enacted by the Berlin Senate on January 30th that had allowed the use of salt – even table salt or dishwasher salt – in response to widespread icy conditions.
Senate’s Prior Action and Nabu’s Challenge
The Senate’s decision to temporarily lift the ban on rock salt was prompted by hazardous conditions on Berlin’s sidewalks. The measure was intended to last until February 14th. However, the Naturschutzbund Berlin (Nabu) – the Berlin chapter of the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union – immediately challenged the decision with an urgent application to the administrative court, arguing that the Senate was attempting to override existing law.
Legal Arguments and Court Ruling
Nabu argued that bypassing the existing law without a sound legal basis was unacceptable. Melanie von Orlow, Managing Director of Nabu Berlin, stated that environmental and nature conservation should not be disregarded through a general decree, even in emergency situations. The organization also criticized the Senate’s environmental administration for suggesting alternatives like dishwasher salt.
Senate’s Response and Future Legislation
Verkehrssenatorin Ute Bonde defended the initial decision, stating that the situation in public spaces, the capacity of emergency services, and medical facilities necessitated a swift response. However, she acknowledged that the Berlin House of Representatives could have enacted legislation to provide a secure legal basis for action. Regierende Bürgermeister Kai Wegner emphasized the need to amend the Street Cleaning Act to allow for effective and rapid action against icy conditions in extreme weather.
Ongoing Glacial Conditions in Berlin
Berlin has experienced continuous snow and icy conditions since the beginning of January. While the Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR) is responsible for clearing streets and bike paths, clearing sidewalks in front of properties is the responsibility of the property owners, a task that has often been neglected.
Concerns Regarding Rock Salt
Environmentalists have long criticized the use of rock salt due to its potential environmental damage, impacting street trees, animals, soil, groundwater, and even buildings. The Senate’s initial decision was made in response to the acute emergency caused by widespread and extreme icy conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Senate to initially allow rock salt use?
The Senate allowed the temporary use of rock salt due to the widespread and dangerous icy conditions on Berlin’s sidewalks, aiming to improve public safety.
Why did Nabu challenge the Senate’s decision?
Nabu challenged the decision because they believed the Senate was attempting to bypass existing laws regarding the use of rock salt without a proper legal basis, potentially harming the environment.
What is the current status of rock salt use on Berlin sidewalks?
As of February 4, 2026, the use of rock salt on sidewalks by private individuals is once again prohibited following the Berlin Administrative Court’s ruling.
As the Berlin legislature considers amendments to the Street Cleaning Act, will the balance between public safety and environmental protection be successfully addressed in future winter weather events?
