Title: cities in transition: disposable tax against garbage flood in Bonn and Co.

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144 cities are interested in packaging taxes for less disposable waste-Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V.

A current survey by German Environmental Aid (DUH) shows that 144 cities in Germany are interested in the introduction of taxes in one-way-takeaway packaging. Nine cities and a municipality, including Bonn and Cologne, are already in the planning phase for the implementation of this tax. Another 64 cities are in the examination phase, while 53 cities are currently advising applications. In addition, 17 other cities expressed fundamental interest in a disposable tax.

The DUH recommends combining the planned introduction of disposable packaging taxes with the expansion of reusable infrastructures. This could help promote the acceptance and use of reusable packaging. The organization significantly criticizes the previous inactivity at the federal level, especially with regard to the lack of promotion of reusable systems in the coalition agreement of the Federal Government.

The current trends show that the consumption of disposable takeaway packaging has increased, a development that, according to the DUH, requires urgent need for action. Cities that are already pioneers in the area of ​​packaging taxes, such as Tübingen and Constance, have had positive experiences. A significant reduction in littering in these cities was found, accompanied by an increase in the use of reusable packaging.

The DUH emphasizes that since 2014 a mandatory tax has been seen as one of the most effective measures against the excessive use of disposable packaging. The “Plastic -Free Cities” Initiative calls on the municipalities to take appropriate measures and thus contribute to a more sustainable economy. Citizens have the opportunity to influence their city's courageous steps in the question of disposable packaging by participating in DUH surveys and actions.

Overall, it can be seen that the introduction of packaging taxes can be a significant step in terms of waste avoidance and environmental protection if it is supported with the correct infrastructure. The integration of gastronomy and other service providers in these processes is considered crucial to achieve broad acceptance.