Since October 1, 2026, a municipal packaging tax has been in effect in Potsdam. It primarily applies to disposable packaging for food and beverages for immediate consumption and is intended to encourage the use of reusable packaging, according to the city.
For non-reusable cups, plates and bowls, a fee of 50 cents per unit will apply. Disposable cutlery is taxed at 20 cents per unit. Businesses that use only reusable packaging or forgo disposable packaging are not required to pay a packaging tax. Classic purchases of goods, where the products are taken away and only later consumed, are also not affected.
Funding for reusable solutions
With the tax, Potsdam also aims to reduce the amount of waste in public spaces. According to the city, setting up, maintaining, and emptying public waste containers costs around 950,000 euros annually.
For catering establishments and associations, Potsdam will provide a total of 170,000 euros for the switch to reusable containers by 2028. Funds are being allocated, among other things, for the use of reusable pool systems and the purchase of reusable tableware and cutlery, with up to 500 euros per establishment. Subsidies of up to 2,000 euros are provided for dishwashers.
The city council had decided to introduce the packaging tax in March. Originally, it was supposed to take effect on July 1, 2026. The launch was postponed by three months to give the affected businesses more time to transition.
Source: Capital city of the state of Potsdam
