A universal return system for non-reusable drinks packaging is proposed

The German government is to change the regulations on the “dosenpfand” packaging waste deposit system, following a court ruling this week. The European Court of Justice said Tuesday that the dosenpfand deposit, while contributing to the general aim of protecting the environment, hindered the free movement of goods and discriminated against foreign drinks suppliers (PRW.com 21 April).

Rainer Baake, state secretary in the German federal environment ministry, replied to the ruling, saying: “The modification to the packaging law that is being presented for approval by the Bundesrat upper house on Friday has taken the reservations of the EU and the European Court into consideration.”

The modifications to the law include proposals to end the “island” solutions started by a number of retail chains and to replace them with a comprehensive and universal return system.