More German municipalities are struggling with the issue of packaging tax. Goal: greater revenues (50 cents, i.e. approx. PLN 5.90, for a takeaway cup, 20 cents, i.e. approx. 85 gr, for cutlery) to the municipal treasury and less garbage on the streets. The Berlin CDU/SPD senate is in favor of regulation on a federal scale.
In some places this method already works. Waste bins in Tübingen are less likely to overflow, and 17 percent companies have completely abandoned disposable tableware. Additionally, thanks to the change, we managed to collect EUR 1 million (PLN 4.2 million) in taxes. Initially, companies have to pay, but ultimately it is consumers who bear the costs through higher prices.
However, the nationwide regulation, introduced in 2023, is almost ineffective. According to it, restaurants and cafes must also offer reusable packaging – if they only have plastic packaging for takeaway sales.
Berlin, on the other hand, has so far rejected the idea of introducing a city tax on takeaway packaging. Berlin senator for finance, Stefan Evers, estimates that staff costs in offices (controllers, clerks) will amount to EUR 10 million (PLN 42 million) per year. The CDU politician even believes that this tax may be unprofitable because revenues from it will decline over time. “A packaging tax would financially burden not only businesses but also consumers,” reads an internal report by the Berlin Senate.
Berlin is therefore looking at an alternative: the federal government should introduce it nationwide obligation for points of sale. The goal is clear – single-use packaging can no longer be given free of charge. Advantage: This would make things easier for companies operating in several federal states.
“Bild” asked the federal Ministry of the Environment. By the time of publication, the daily had not received a response.
