The Multidimensional Effects of Single-use and Packaging Plastic Strategies on German Household Waste Management

The linear make-use-dispose economy presents significant environmental challenges such as environmental contamination and filling up landfills. This study aims to identify optimal Single-use and packaging plastic (SUPP) strategies from the perspective of a circular economy. The study assesses the effect of various SUPP strategies on household waste management. A material flow model was established based on data on the generation and management of SUPP-containing household waste in Germany in 2017. Regulatory SUPP strategies were placed in scenarios (with effects on waste generation and waste composition) and incorporated into the material flow model. According to Sarah Schmidt and David Laner, "from a material efficiency perspective, the combination of banning specific non-packaging SUPPs and optimizing source separation leads to the maximum increase in final recycling rates of SUPPs in household waste, from 38% to 50%."