German Court Upholds Tübingen's Packaging Tax, Paving Way for Other Cities

The Federal Constitutional Court has ruled that Tübingen's tax on single-use packaging is lawful, encouraging municipalities to adopt similar measures to combat waste.

The Federal Constitutional Court rejected a McDonald's franchisee's challenge to Tübingen's packaging tax, affirming its constitutionality.
Tübingen's tax, implemented in 2022, charges 50 cents for single-use containers and 20 cents for disposable utensils, with a cap of 1.50 euros per meal.
The tax has led to a significant reduction in waste and increased adoption of reusable packaging options in the city.
Several cities, including Freiburg, Heidelberg, and Stuttgart, are now exploring or planning to implement similar taxes following the court's decision.
Critics warn of a potential patchwork of local regulations and additional burdens on businesses, while advocates call for a nationwide solution.