Freiburg’s bold new tax on disposable packaging takes effect this year

Coffee cups, takeout boxes, even straws just got pricier. Freiburg’s controversial tax could reshape how the city eats—and throws away.

, and Administrator

2026 January 1 . 11:19 AM

1 min read

The picture is taken on the street of a city. In the center of the picture there are shops, tents,... — The picture is taken on the street of a city. In the center of the picture there are shops, tents, umbrellas, auto rickshaw, motor bike, people and many other objects. In the background there are buildings. In the foreground there are waste papers on the road.

Freiburg introduces tax on single-use packaging - Freiburg’s bold new tax on disposable packaging takes effect this year

Freiburg is implementing a new tax on single-use food and drink packaging this year, following the example set by Tübingen. The 'freetaxusa' will add 50 cents to each disposable drink container, food box, or meal wrapper, and 20 cents to small items like cutlery and straws over 10 centimetres long. The 'turbotax' or 'turbo tax' aims to cut waste by making disposable items more costly for customers, encouraging the use of reusable alternatives. Freiburg's mayor, Martin Horn, has pushed for reusable options, especially at city-run events and markets, with the support of the state's environment minister, Thekla Walker of the Green Party. Officials expect the 'freetaxusa' to raise around €2.2 million next year, making takeaway food and drinks pricier across the city. The new charges, taking effect this year, target everything from coffee cups to meal trays, supporting local sustainability efforts and pushing businesses and consumers toward reusable solutions.