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Potsdam's 2023 tax on disposable packaging sparks debate over waste reduction

A 50-cent fee on throwaway containers could reshape how Potsdam eats and drinks. Will vendors adapt—or will the tax backfire?

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
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The image shows a page from a book with a black and white image of a table of numbers and text, which appears to be a tax plan for the United States. The text is written in black ink on a white background, and the table is divided into columns and rows, with each row representing a different tax plan. The columns are labeled with the names of the tax plans, such as "taxes," "rates," and "duties," and the rows are filled with numerical values.

Extra Costs for Takeaway? Potsdam Plans to Follow Tübingen's Lead with a Packaging Tax—But Businesses Fear Customers Will Foot the Bill

50 Cent per Cup: Potsdam Plans Packaging Tax - Potsdam's 2023 tax on disposable packaging sparks debate over waste reduction

Following cities like Tübingen and Konstanz, Potsdam—Brandenburg's state capital—now plans to introduce a packaging tax on single-use products this year. The municipal levy will apply to vendors selling food and drinks in disposable containers, such as takeaway cups, plates, or bowls.

The city announced that the proposal will be presented to the municipal assembly on March 4, with the tax set to take effect in July. Under the plan, a 50-cent fee will be imposed per single-use cup, plate, or container, while disposable cutlery will incur a 20-cent charge. The model is based on Tübingen, which has had a similar tax in place since early 2022.

Businesses Voice Opposition

The tax has drawn criticism from the business community. The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) warned nearly two weeks ago that small and medium-sized enterprises would face unnecessary additional burdens. "This is an attempt to ease Potsdam's strained budget at the expense of local businesses," the IHK stated. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) added that customers would ultimately bear the cost at the checkout.

Potsdam's treasurer, Burkhard Exner (SPD), acknowledged in a statement that the tax would initially require operational adjustments for many businesses. However, he argued that it also presents an opportunity to rethink packaging strategies and deliberately reduce single-use materials. "Experience from other municipalities shows that such measures can cut disposable packaging waste and improve the city's appearance," Exner said.

Berlin Districts Push for a Fresh Attempt

Meanwhile, Berlin's districts are making a new push to introduce a packaging tax on single-use coffee cups, pizza boxes, and aluminum trays—an idea the city's Senate has previously rejected. Recently, Cologne's city council paved the way for a similar levy in the Rhineland metropolis. Industry associations continue to warn of negative consequences for affected businesses.

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