Single-use plastics in Germany: fee obligation from 2025

As of January 1, 2025, Germany will require producers of single-use plastic to pay a mandatory fee. This new system is an extension of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, which has imposed obligations on member states since 2021. Producers must contribute to the Einwegkunststofffonds, a fund that supports municipalities in cleaning up litter.

Registration and rules for single-use plastics

Producers placing products in single-use plastic on the German market have been required to register in the DIVID system since January 2024. This registration is in addition to earlier obligations, such as registering packaging in the LUCID system. The DIVID system and the fund are managed by the Umweltbundesamt, a division of the federal environment ministry.

The system uses clear criteria to determine whether a product qualifies as single-use plastic. Many convenience-segment packaging items fall under this category. If there is any doubt, a special committee assesses the product. Decisions from this committee are published regularly.

Fees by product category

The contribution to the Einwegkunststofffonds varies by product category and is calculated based on the quantities placed on the German market in the previous year. Examples include:

• To-go drink cups: €1.236 per kilogram
• To-go food containers: €0.177 per kilogram
• Non-deposit beverage containers: €0.181 per kilogram
• Deposit beverage containers: €0.001 per kilogram
• Plastic bags and films: €0.876 per kilogram
• Thin plastic bags (<15 μm): €3.801 per kilogram
• Cigarette filters: €8.972 per kilogram

Allocation of the fund

Funds collected are distributed to German municipalities using a point-based system. Municipalities earn points based on factors such as the number of road kilometers or the area cleaned in square meters. This system aims to contribute to a cleaner environment and reduce litter.

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