German Cities Weigh Local Packaging Tax After Court Approval

The Tübingen model for taxing single-use containers gains traction, sparking discussions in municipalities nationwide.

The Federal Constitutional Court recently upheld the legality of Tübingen's packaging tax, implemented in 2022 to curb single-use waste.
Tübingen's levy charges 50 cents for items like coffee cups and food containers, with some cities considering similar measures to reduce waste and fund cleanup costs.
Cities like Leipzig, Chemnitz, and Münster are actively exploring the tax, while others, including Berlin and Munich, cite administrative burdens and economic concerns as barriers.
Many municipalities are calling for a standardized national policy to avoid fragmented local regulations and potential economic challenges for businesses.
Critics, including industry representatives and some local officials, warn of increased costs for consumers and potential financial strain on struggling food service businesses.