Disposable packaging: Potsdam discusses new tax - approval or resistance?

Disposable packaging: Potsdam discusses new tax - approval or resistance?

Potsdam, Deutschland - The discussion about the introduction of a municipal packaging tax in Potsdam makes high waves. A recent MAZ survey shows that opinions are shared by the population. The planned tax, which should tax disposable packaging such as pizza boxes and paper cups, could burden gastro companies and consumers and lead to higher prices. On the other hand, the city expects annual income of up to one million euros, which represents Motivation for the introduction. Interested citizens can read the topic on the MAZ website, which actively reports on the specific course of the survey.

legal report underpins the legality

In addition, the legal basis for the packaging tax is strengthened by a new report from German Environmental Aid (DUH). Accordingly, the municipal packaging tax does not legally stand in the way of the disposable plastic fund, which will come into force from January 2024. The DUH announces that this does not lead to double taxation - a frequently expressed objection to the introduction of the taxation. Instead of just concentrating on plastic packaging, the municipal tax also includes paper and other material packaging, which in their opinion unfolds a greater steering effect. In several German cities, including Gummersbach, Heidelberg and Constance, the introduction of such taxes is already being examined or decided, as the DUH reports in its report.

Deutsche Environmental Aid asks every municipality to become active in order to increase the pressure on the Minister of Environment Steffi Lemke for a nationwide regulation. Your argument is clear: a municipal packaging tax could be the key to reduce the amount of disposable plastic and to promote more sustainable reusable alternatives. Detailed information and an interactive map of cities that take measures against disposable waste are accessible on the DUH website, which provides more information about it.

For more details about the survey, you can read the comprehensive reporting of the MAZ and understand the argumentation of the DUH on municipal packaging tax and its legal basics on your website.