A new draft law provides the basis for against the destruction of returns to proceed. But when that actually happens is open.

Should not be allowed in the waste land: returned goods by shipping to dealers photo: Reuters

BERLIN taz | The statements with which the Federal environment Minister, Svenja Schulze (SPD) had advertised their new waste law in the picture on Sunday, sounded promising: The practice of Online retailers, returned or non-virgin bought to destroy, rather than sell again the Federal government is sliding now, "a bolt" and "the destruction of new, fully functioning goods and tell", announced the social Democrat.

so far, the draft law was adopted on Wednesday by the Cabinet, but not yet. Although it is included in the circular economy law, a Supplement that introduces a "duty of Care" for dealers and manufacturers; these will in future have to ensure that their products are "waste".

But the practical consequences of this desire has not first: Specific requirements are only to follow later with a regulation. When it can be expected, remained on demand in the open. In a first step, retailers and manufacturers should be obliged, first of all, to publish Figures on the destruction of Goods. So far, there is little data; public awareness of the destruction of new goods in the last year through a Search of the ZDF magazine "Frontal 21 was" in a warehouse of the Online retailer Amazon.

in addition to the planned arrangements, to new-destruction of the draft law to be introduced soon in the Bundestag, further innovations aimed at the prevention of waste contains. All Federal institutions are to be obliged to prefer the purchase of Goods in the future, those that are made from recycled Material and is durable and re-usable.

"We want a clean environment in which neither waste nor toxic Butts lying around"

"The Federal government is taking with this bill, even in the duty," said Schulze. In addition to authorities, the scheme also applies to state-owned companies. However, the law allows for the 6,000 affected the procurement of facilities, a certain amount of leeway: The obligation to use of resource-conserving products is only valid, provided that "no unreasonable additional costs" and they are "suitable". Like the and checked is defined, remained open.

in Addition, the Federal government implements the law the EU requirement that the manufacturer of disposable products in the future, to the disposal costs to play a role in the emergence of the public sector as a result. The concerns about Coffee-to-go cups and other disposable tableware, which end up in public trash cans, or cigarette butts to be swept from the road.

Also here are the Details to be regulated in a regulation. First of all, is to be determined until August, together with the Association of Municipal enterprises, the share of such products in the waste, said Schulze. On this basis, municipalities can then create fee notices. "The goal is clear," said Schulze. "We want a clean environment in which neither waste nor toxic Butts lying around."

At the Federal environment and nature conservation (BUND), came across the law to a mixed reaction. The specifications for the public procurement were "to be welcomed", said the Association. However, the specific target to be missing the "targets and measures for waste avoidance". The German environmental aid evaluated the law as a breach of the guarantee of the Minister, because the destruction of returns, will not prevent.