Cologne in plastic fight: Initiatives are calling for quick tax on disposable packaging!

Cologne in plastic fight: Initiatives are calling for quick tax on disposable packaging!

Tübingen, Deutschland - Cologne faces an important step towards sustainability! In February 2025, the city council decided on a tax on disposable packaging, which is now vehemently requested by numerous Cologne initiatives. Over twelve groups, including renowned organizations such as NABU, BUND, Greenpeace, Zero Waste, Krake and the alliance for Local Sustainability Cologne, are committed to driving the introduction of this tax quickly. Radio Köln reports that the initiative is based on the successful model of the city of Tübingen, which has been lifting such a tax since the beginning of 2022

In Cologne, there are impressive 77 million disposable cups and 60 million meal packaging every year, which often end in public areas as trash. These terrifying numbers underline the urgency with which the initiatives want to act. In Tübingen, where the packaging tax has been introduced, there is already a gratifying trend: the garbage in the public areas has decreased significantly. This could also be possible in Cologne if the tax comes into force quickly.

The model Tübingen

The city of Tübingen has had an important pioneering role with its packaging tax, which has been in effect since January 1, 2022. All sales outlets of disposable packaging as well as disposable dishes and cutlery are affected, which are offered for immediate consumption or to take away. The tax is 0.50 euros net for coffee mugs and other disposable packaging as well as 0.20 euros for one -way cutlery. These clear guidelines show how local taxes can reduce waste quantities. The city of Tübingen also offers information materials for companies to facilitate implementation. tübingen.de has provided helpful resources and funding opportunities.

A look beyond the national borders: From 2025, the new EU packaging regulations (PPWR) will come into force in Europe, which regulates the minimum share of recycling material for plastic packaging. The municipalities in Germany can then also collect local packaging taxes. This was confirmed by a decision by the Federal Constitutional Court in January 2025. The legality of such taxes has thus been strengthened, which opens up new opportunities for waste reduction for cities like Cologne and Tübingen. Ey.com emphasizes that such regulations should also promote the circular economy.

a step in the right direction?

The local initiatives in Cologne hope for a quick implementation of the packaging tax. They argue that it is high time to promote environmentally friendly alternatives to the mass use of disposable packaging. Finally, such concrete measures make a valuable contribution to reducing waste and protecting our environment.

At the city of Cologne, it is said that the next steps are planned to introduce packaging tax. It remains to be seen whether the city will follow this example in order to pave the way for a more sustainable future. Because one thing is certain: together we can change the world a bit!