Freiburg to Introduce Tax on Single-Use Food and Beverage Packaging
Freiburg, a city nestled in the Black Forest region of Germany, is poised to implement a tax on single-use packaging for food and beverages, effective January 1st of the coming year. This decision, reached by the city council, reflects a growing trend among German cities to combat waste and promote more sustainable practices. The council, primarily composed of members from the Green party and other aligned factions and lists, voted in favor of the measure, signaling a commitment to environmental responsibility.
However, the move is not without its detractors. The city’s administrative leadership, spearheaded by independent Mayor Martin Horn, views the tax as a misstep. Horn contends that the tax is likely to generate frustration and resentment among Freiburg’s residents. He believes that alternative approaches might be more effective in achieving the desired outcome of reducing waste and fostering a more environmentally conscious community. The disagreement highlights a fundamental debate about the best way to incentivize behavioral change and balance environmental goals with the concerns of citizens.
Freiburg’s decision to introduce the tax follows in the footsteps of Tübingen, a university town that pioneered this approach in early 2022. Tübingen’s implementation of the tax served as a test case, demonstrating the potential impact and challenges associated with such a policy. Konstanz, another city in the region, has also adopted a similar levy, suggesting a growing momentum for this type of environmental regulation in southwestern Germany.
The city of Freiburg anticipates generating approximately 2.2 million euros in revenue from the tax in the coming year. These funds could potentially be allocated to various environmental initiatives, such as waste management programs, public awareness campaigns, or the development of sustainable infrastructure. The exact allocation of the revenue will likely be subject to further debate and decision-making within the city council.
The tax structure in Tübingen, which serves as a model for Freiburg, provides a specific breakdown of the levies imposed on different types of single-use packaging. For instance, a tax of 50 cents is levied on single-use coffee cups, while a similar 50-cent tax applies to single-use dishes, such as those used for serving fries. Single-use cutlery is subject to a tax of 20 cents. These specific amounts are intended to make the tax noticeable to consumers while also remaining manageable.
The legality of such taxes was affirmed by the German Federal Constitutional Court, providing a crucial legal basis for cities like Tübingen and now Freiburg to implement these measures. The court’s ruling acknowledged the legitimacy of using taxes to address environmental concerns and encourage more sustainable behavior. This legal precedent has paved the way for other cities to consider similar policies without fear of legal challenges.
A primary objective of the tax is to minimize waste generation. By increasing the cost of single-use packaging, the tax aims to incentivize consumers and businesses to opt for reusable alternatives. This shift towards reusable options could significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills or incinerators, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Freiburg’s decision to closely align its tax structure with that of Tübingen is a deliberate effort to ensure legal certainty. By adopting a similar framework, Freiburg seeks to avoid potential legal challenges and ensure the smooth implementation of the tax. The detailed preparation and careful consideration of legal aspects underscore the city’s commitment to making the tax a viable and sustainable policy.
The city council of Freiburg initially considered implementing the tax on July 1st, 2025, and even took preparatory steps towards this goal. However, the issue was subsequently put on hold and did not return to the council for further deliberation at that time. The recent decision to implement the tax on January 1st of the coming year signifies a renewed commitment to addressing the issue of single-use packaging waste.
In contrast to the tax approach, Mayor Horn has advocated for a "reusable initiative," which has now been approved by the city council. This initiative focuses on promoting the use of reusable alternatives at municipal events and markets, such as Christmas markets and the city’s renowned farmers’ market. The goal is to encourage the adoption of reusable options by providing convenient and attractive alternatives to single-use packaging.
The implementation of the reusable initiative alongside the tax on single-use packaging suggests a multi-pronged approach to tackling the issue of waste reduction. By combining financial disincentives for single-use options with active promotion of reusable alternatives, the city of Freiburg aims to create a comprehensive and effective strategy for fostering a more sustainable environment. The success of this approach will depend on the cooperation of residents, businesses, and the city administration in embracing and promoting these new policies and practices. The coming months will be crucial in preparing the city for the implementation of these measures and educating the public about their purpose and impact.
