Germany moves towards new ‘plastics tax’ | Sustainable Plastics

Posted on July 9, 2024 by DrRossH in General, Plastic Recycling

Following in the footsteps of countries such as Spain and the United Kingdom, Germany is now also introducing a ‘plastics tax’ of its own.

Source: Germany moves towards new ‘plastics tax’ | Sustainable Plastics

The following taxes, based on calculations of the actual costs of clean-up, are due for each kilogram of products placed on the market:

  • Tobacco filter: 8.972 euros per kilogram
  • To-go beverage cups: 1.236 euros per kilogram
  • To-go food containers: 0.177 euros per kilogram
  • Bags and foil packaging: 0.876 euros per kilogram
  • Beverage containers without a deposit: 0.181 euros per kilogram
  • Beverage containers with a deposit: 0.001 euros per kilogram
  • Light plastic bags: 3.801 euros per kilogram
  • Wet wipes: 0.061 euros per kilogram and
  • Balloons: 4.340 euros per kilogram.  

It is questionable if the above will be sufficient.  For example it would take a long time to pick up a kg of balloon fragments.  To then get 4.3 Euros for it?   The manufacturers and suppliers need to pay a consumerate amount relative to the time and cost it takes to clean up their products.