Freiburg: Packaging tax now only to disposable cups

Five cups with lids in different colours on a yellow background

The packaging tax in Freiburg is controversial and is set to be significantly simplified barely a year after its introduction.
 
According to information from the dpa news agency, the levy is to be limited to disposable cups in future, rather than covering many other types of takeaway packaging as it has done until now. Freiburg had decided to introduce the packaging tax following the examples of Tübingen and Konstanz, and implemented it at the start of 2026. Now, a joint motion by the SPD+JF (Junges Freiburg), Eine Stadt für alle, the CDU, the FDP/Bürger für Freiburg and the Freie Wähler calls for a “compromise and a fresh start”. The political groups argue that the current scheme is too complicated, involves too much red tape for restaurant owners and is also difficult for many citizens to understand. According to the political groups, reusable options are already well established for drink cups. Therefore, under their plans, the tax would initially apply only to single-use cups. At the same time, the group wishes to promote reusable options more strongly and make them mandatory in municipal facilities. The aim is a city-wide system in which catering businesses can participate easily and cost-effectively. The local council is due to discuss the motion on 20 October.
 
Sources:

  • Wochenblatt-Reporter / dpa Content (2.10.2026)
  • Photo: © Agenlaku Indonesia / Unsplash (Symbolbild)

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