Trier discusses garbage reduction: packaging tax is supposed to brake disposable packaging!

Trier discusses garbage reduction: packaging tax is supposed to brake disposable packaging!

In Trier's most recent city council meeting, the urgently needed reduction of garbage was in focus through disposable packaging. A central element of the debate was the implementation of a packaging tax already decided in 2019, which has not yet come into force. This tax measure is intended to levy a tax on non -reusable packaging as well as dishes and cutlery in the catering trade. The need for such a step is underpinned by alarming numbers: In Germany, around 320,000 disposable cups for hot drinks per hour are consumed, which significantly increases waste disposal in the municipalities, according to Behoerden-spiegel .

inspired by the city of Tübingen, which introduced a similar tax in 2022, the Triers city councilors open current measures to avoid waste. For example, Tübingen raises 50 cents on disposable packaging and 20 cents for one -way cutlery. The legal foundations for the introduction of this tax were strengthened by a decision by the Federal Constitutional Court in January 2023, which revised an earlier rejection of the municipal packaging tax, such as Lokalo reported.

contribution to sustainability

The main objectives of the packaging tax are to move citizens to more sustainable alternatives and reduce waste. However, the CDU, Greens and FDP applied for a two -year postponement for the implementation. During this time, under the supervision of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), innovative methods are to be developed to avoid garbage in gastronomy. Thomas Marx from the CDU is optimistic that practical solutions can be found. Michael Lichter from the Greens even proposes a city -wide deposit system for food and drinks, as a further step towards sustainability.

The discussion about the need for this tax is supported by the arguments of Sabine Mock from the SPD, which points out that 40% of the street waste consist of disposable packaging. While the AfD and the free voters criticize the postponement and are against the tax, they still voted for the application of the three-all alliance. In this controversial debate, the left -wing faction called for an expert hearing to experience from Tübingen and expressed concerns about postponement.

legal situation and future steps

The legal situation regarding the packaging tax has improved significantly through several judgments. The Federal Constitutional Court of November 27, 2024 now enabled the cities to raise such taxes in certain conditions. This decision was welcomed openly by various municipal umbrella organizations such as the German City Day (DST) and the German Association of Cities and Municipalities (DStGB). Both institutions underline that such measures are necessary to promote the cleanliness in the cities and to cover the incurring costs for waste disposal, which are up to 700 million euros per year, such as Beoherden-spiegel cited.

In addition, the introduction of the EU regulation 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, which is valid in the EU member states from August 12, 2026, will set another framework for the packaging problem. These legal foundations will expand the municipal scope for action and enable new impulses to reduce disposable packaging. Freiburg and Heidelberg already show interest in developing the relevant templates for the introduction of packaging taxes, which could further strengthen the initiative in Trier.

It remains to be seen which specific steps the city of Trier will take in the upcoming time to protect the endangered ecosystem and urban areas. The coming years promise an exciting development in the discussion about waste prevention.