The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) presented the latest figures on packaging recycling at their annual press conference. They prove that recycling is not a myth, but works and is well monitored. On closer inspection, common misconceptions about plastic and glass recycling prove to be unfounded.
Recycling rates are stable. In 2024, around 5.5 million tonnes of packaging waste was again recycled from the dual systems' collections. Five out of eight recycling quotas were met, and in some cases exceeded. As in previous years, packaging made of paper/cardboard/cardboard, tinplate, aluminium and plastics met the statutory targets. In contrast, the quotas for beverage cartons, glass and composite packaging were once again missed by a wide margin.
High recycling rate for plastic packaging
At the press conference, UBA and ZSVR refuted widespread myths about packaging recycling with current facts and figures. One key misconception is that Germany recycles very little plastic packaging. The fact is that the rate of mechanical plastic recycling has risen from 42 per cent to 70 per cent since 2018.
A widespread assumption among the population is that almost everything that ends up in the yellow bag or bin is incinerated anyway. The fact is that more than half of the contents of the yellow bin are recycled. Modern sorting systems can systematically sort the contents. Packaging that is not recyclable and waste is mainly sent for energy recovery and used in incineration to generate energy.
Realising recycling-friendly design
It is also important to note that even the most efficient sorting plant cannot recover new plastic from trainers, hoover bags, water wings and similar waste. However, the statutory target rate for recycling the contents of the yellow bin refers to the entire collection volume - including discards and non-recyclable packaging.
„As efficient as sorting and recycling plants are, they cannot compensate for what is missed in packaging design. The EU packaging regulation (PPWR) is tightening the requirements for recyclability. The onus is on manufacturers, because from 2030, only packaging that is at least 70 per cent recyclable or reusable may be placed on the market. Consistent implementation of recyclable design is crucial.“
Gunda Rachut, Board of the ZSVR
Consistent separation of glass fractions
Even with glass packaging, separate collection by colour remains crucial for recycling success. Container glass can be recycled several times if it is collected separately by colour. However, higher collection volumes are required to fulfil the applicable requirements. This repeatedly leads to misunderstandings. Contrary to popular belief, used glass is not mixed again when the containers are emptied: white, green and amber glass remain consistently separated from collection to the glassworks. Modern collection vehicles transport the collected glass in separate compartments.
„Glass recycling brings considerable energy savings compared to new production,“ says . „The prerequisite for this is correct waste separation. Too much used glass is still being lost in residual waste.“
Dr Bettina Rechenberg, Head of the Circular Economy Division at the UBA
Source: UBA
