Kiel’s Old Waste Incineration Plant

In a suburban area on the edge of Kiel, northern Germany, lies a hidden, disused waste incinerator that was abandoned in the late 1980s. This site quietly draws the curious and creative—urban explorers and graffiti artists frequent the location where factory ruins and encroaching vegetation intertwine.

When the incinerator was still operational decades ago, neighbors reported strange odors. Public outrage erupted after toxic chemicals were found in fish from a nearby lake, which prompted debates in the regional parliament. Although the water has since been restored, concerns linger about potential soil contamination directly beneath the plant.

Unlike many other abandoned industrial sites, this one is oddly situated near residential neighborhoods. And yet, it remains in a state of legal uncertainty. A defunct company is recorded as the owner, which places the burden of safety on local officials.

Adorned with street art, the rundown building still features remnants of its past, such as an incineration pipe, a conveyor belt, and a dismantled control panel. The floor is littered with empty spray cans, a testament to the ongoing graffiti culture.