Optimisation of the collection of packaging waste and further development of Section 22 VerpackG in light of the EU Packaging Ordinance

The Packaging Act (VerpackG) obliges systems to provide the free-of-charge collection of emptied packaging, but requires coordination with public waste management authorities (örE). In particular, with regard to the shared use of paper, cardboard and carton (PPK) collection systems and the collection of container glass at comparable points of generation, there are conflicts concerning cost allocation, recovery options, and fee transparency. As EU circular economy law will in the future place all packaging under extended producer responsibility (EPR), amendments to the Packaging Act are necessary, especially concerning the financing and accounting of collected quantities towards recycling targets.

The research project will develop proposed solutions in the following two areas of the Packaging Act:

• Disputes in coordination between dual systems and public waste management authorities (örE) regarding shared use of PPK collection systems should be resolved and more efficient handling supported. For this purpose, proposals will be developed to amend or clarify the provisions on shared PPK collection in Section 22(4) of the Packaging Act.
• For container glass collection at comparable points of generation, common practice and the legal framework are to be aligned. In doing so, the EU legal requirements on extended producer responsibility must be observed.