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Germany
| Law Summary | Ordinance on the Avoidance of Packaging Waste (the Topfer law) makes manufacturers responsible for taking back the packaging of their products and sets targets for refilling and recycling rates |
|---|---|
| Date Implemented | July 1, 1993 |
| Containers Covered | Glass, aluminum, plastic |
| Beverages Covered | All beverages as well as non-beverage liquids like soap and paint |
| Refundable Deposits | Refundable deposits were only to be implemented if target recycling rates were not met by Jan. 1, 1995 |
| Program Success | Refillables comprise 75% of the beverage market and the following percents of market share in the following categories:
|
Details
Should recycling targets (glass: 90%; aluminum: 90%; plastic: 80%) not be met by January 1, 1995, deposits were to be required for all non-refillable liquid containers, including beverages, liquid soaps and paint.
A provision in the Packaging Ordinance requires industry to maintain a minimum level of refillable containers, which for beer, soft drinks, fruit juice, mineral water and wine is 72% (milk 17%). If the levels are not maintained, the government was to set mandatory deposits. The market share of refillables rose to 75% after passage of the law.
We are not certain if these recycling targets and market share levels were met or not, and thus are not sure if a deposit system was instituted.
Updated
February 7, 2008
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