Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) soon wants manufacturers of disposable plastic to share in the costs of removing waste from parks and streets. She is preparing a draft law, said Lemke. With the bans on some plastic products, Germany has taken important steps and wants to go further. Specifically, it is about setting up a fund for single-use plastic, into which manufacturers should pay depending on the quantity sold. The law is to be passed by the Federal Cabinet in the autumn. According to the EU single-use plastics directive, the member states have to implement the responsibility of the manufacturers nationally. This applies to take-away containers, bags and film packaging, beverage cups and containers, lightweight carrier bags, wet wipes and tobacco filters. “Carelessly thrown away single-use plastic is not only a major nuisance, but the pollution crisis is one of the biggest environmental problems of our time,” said Lemke.
Draft law – manufacturers should pay for plastic waste – economy
