Freiburg focuses on waste prevention: Packaging tax under review

In the Baden-Württemberg city of Freiburg, an environmental policy innovation is taking shape: The city council has laid the groundwork for the introduction of a packaging tax, a concept that should be established by July 1, 2025. The tax is not yet set in stone, emphasizes a city spokesperson, but the tracks have been laid for the parliamentary decision. Freiburg can find a role model in the city of Tübingen, which, despite legal challenges, has already implemented such a tax. However, there is a tense anticipation, as the outcome of a legal dispute at the federal level remains to be seen. A McDonald's franchisee, supported by the fast-food giant itself, has filed a lawsuit against the tax decided upon in Tübingen. After a defeat at the Federal Administrative Court, the case has been referred to the Federal Constitutional Court, whose ruling is still pending. Tübingen currently charges 50 cents for single-use packaging such as drink cups and food boxes, while single-use cutlery and straws incur a fee of 20 cents. Active since the beginning of last year, Freiburg is now to develop an equivalent tax model. The German Environmental Aid welcomes Freiburg's decision and speaks of the "most effective way" to prevent waste. The positive development in Tübingen, marked by an increased offer of reusable options and less litter in public spaces, should serve as a blueprint. Barbara Metz, the managing director of Environmental Aid, also advocates for a nationwide regulation. In Freiburg, the issue is that about 4500 tons of waste need to be disposed of daily. Previous measures to make the provision of reusable solutions mandatory did not bear fruit as hoped. The city administration is now relying on the tax solution to protect the environment and the cityscape while also relieving the municipal budget, with the revenues intended to contribute to covering the disposal costs.