Frankfurt in the garbage chaos: Is coffee-to-go becoming an environmental problem?

Frankfurt in the garbage chaos: Is coffee-to-go becoming an environmental problem?

What's going on in Germany's coffee culture? Almost 30 years ago, coffee to go arrived in German cities, inspired by American models. While 90% of drinks in the USA were already taken away in disposable cups, Germany started with just 1%. Today, in 2025, the disposable coffee cup is an everyday companion at playgrounds, bus stops and park benches. The FAZ reports that the Federal Environment Ministry counts over 320,000 disposable cups for hot drinks per hour in Germany.

This development has significantly changed coffee culture. Mobile coffee bars and new cafe chains often offer their coffee at affordable prices, encouraging take-out drinking. It's hard to resist an espresso for 1.50 euros. More and more people are choosing to enjoy their coffee while walking - at a high cost to the environment.

Waste problems and cleanliness in cities

The impact of this new culture cannot be overlooked. The increasing number of disposable cups is leading to a serious waste problem in many major German cities. In Frankfurt, citizens have perceived the lack of cleanliness and the large amount of garbage on the streets as an urgent problem. Although street cleaning is on duty on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the desire for more cleanliness remains unfulfilled. The Plaza and the [DUH](https://www.duh.de/informieren/projekte-und-abfall/to-go- Verpackungen/becherheld/becherheld-problem/) also draw attention to the dilemma: Coffee-to-go cups are made of paper, but are coated with plastic on the inside, which makes recycling much more difficult.

Disposable cups are made from virgin materials and contribute to environmental impact. According to a study by the Federal Environment Agency, the PFAS used, which ensure water-repellent properties, can even pose health risks. This is causing many cafés and roasters to rethink their approach and increasingly focus on more sustainable alternatives.

Innovations and awareness of sustainability

The tradition of enjoying coffee in Germany is increasingly changing; Sustainability is becoming increasingly important. A look at current coffee culture shows that more and more cafés and roasters are placing emphasis on regional products and environmentally friendly practices. Many rely on reusable cups and discount systems for guests who bring their own cup. The Coffee Institute emphasizes that waste separation is now part of everyday life in many cafés.

Solutions like the “Recup” reusable cup system are a step in the right direction. Innovative recycling projects that transform coffee leftovers into new products also show that the industry is on the right track. Despite these initiatives, challenges remain, particularly in large cities where waste and waste management still needs to be improved.

The city of Frankfurt has announced that it will increase fines for the improper disposal of waste from October 1, 2025. At the same time, there are plans to install more garbage containers, but it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to really solve the garbage problem and keep the city clean.