Top Court Support Sought for German Recycling Law

North Rhine-Westphalia appeals lower court's ruling.

The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia announced Monday that it would seek a ruling from a top German court in support of the federal government plans to introduce deposits on non-refillable cans and bottles.

 

The German government plans to introduce a deposit of 25 cents ($0.25) for smaller containers and 50 cents for cans and bottles larger than 1.5 liters, from January 1. Deposits are returned when the bottles and cans are disposed of in special recycling machines.

 

North Rhine-Westphalia is seeking to overturn a decision by a court in the state which block the directive after around 35 retail groups and drinks producers complained.

 

The government's plans and previous German courts' support for the directive have boosted shares in Norway's Tomra Systems Inc., which makes recycling machines.

 

Retailers and beverage manufacturers have long opposed the measure but the government says it is necessary because the percentage of refillable cans and bottles – typically those returned to the retailer – has fallen below the 72 percent minimum target level set in 1997. - Reuters