More Deposit Systems? Environment Minister Calls for More Recycling - Germany Plans Bold Recycling Push to Slash Waste and Secure Resources
Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider is pushing for stronger recycling measures to recover valuable materials from old electronics. He wants to expand deposit schemes for mobile phones and batteries, similar to the current system for car batteries. His proposals also aim to cut costs for consumers who reuse items instead of throwing them away.
Schneider sees the circular economy as a major priority for 2026. His plans focus on recycling and reusing materials to reduce Germany’s reliance on foreign raw material suppliers, particularly China. By making disposal more expensive than reuse, he hopes to encourage greater recycling rates across the country.
The minister believes Germany can gain an economic advantage by leading in environmental technologies. His proposals include expanding deposit return systems beyond car batteries to cover mobile phones and other electronic waste. While no specific industry partners have been named in discussions, 16 associations from the construction, building materials, and circular economy sectors have called for changes to waste regulations by early 2026. Schneider plans to hold consultations with businesses to refine these measures. The goal is to create a system where recycling becomes the easier and cheaper option for consumers and companies alike.
If implemented, these changes could reduce Germany’s dependence on imported raw materials. The expanded deposit schemes and higher disposal costs would also push more people to recycle old electronics. Schneider’s proposals now await further discussions with industry leaders before any final decisions are made.
