Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Germany requires a deposit of at least EUR 0.25 on most single-use drink containers of 0.1 to 3 litres. Lightweight plastic carrier bags may not be supplied.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersSingle-use drink containers of 0.1 to 3.0 litres, Not covered: block, gable and cylinder cartons, tube pouches, stand-up pouches, Not covered: some drinks (for example wine and sparkling wine, milk products, fruit juices), unless filled in single-use plastic bottles or cans [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers€0.25 per container [1]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned [2]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsLightweight plastic carrier bags may not be supplied at all, free or for a charge. [2]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsLightweight bags (wall thickness below 50 microns) are banned. Very lightweight bags (below 15 microns) for hygiene or loose food are exempt. [3]

Notes

  • The deposit duty covers drinks containers placed on the German market. Which exact drinks are exempt is set out in the list in section 46(4) of the VerpackDG.
  • The law sets a minimum deposit of EUR 0.25 including VAT per container.
  • Very lightweight bags needed for hygiene, or used as sales packaging for loose food to prevent food waste, are exempt from the ban.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): VerpackDG § 46 Pfand- und Rücknahmepflichten für Einweggetränkeverpackungen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): VerpackDG § 12 Beschränkungen der Bereitstellung bestimmter Verpackungen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. EUR-Lex (European Union): Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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