Germany steps up packaging recycling impetus

Germany – Tougher packaging recycling targets – including 63% for plastic and 90% for metals, glass and paper – are to be introduced in Germany. The new packaging law, known as the Verpackungsgesetz, will come into effect at the start of 2019 and calls for incentives to be provided by the systems that collect waste.

Local municipalities will be responsible for choosing how to organise the collection of materials and whether the input will be measured in tonnes or per bag.

It will be a decision for individual municipalities as to whether they collect additional plastic and metal waste together with the existing dual collection system. Furthermore, the bidding process for collection service contracts will be improved through ‘increased transparency’.

‘The packaging legislation is an important step in continuing the development of the recycling industry,’ says federal environment minister Barbara Hendricks. ‘I am relieved that we have succeeded in finding a viable compromise, which takes due account of various interests, and which is particularly beneficial to the environment.’