In Germany, recovery and recycling services are provided by what is known as (dual) systems. Private final consumers dispose of their packaging waste in yellow bags/bins, paper bins and paper/glass containers after use. The packaging is then sorted into different groups at sorting and recycling plants where as much high-quality material is recovered as possible. Each party under obligation is free to decide which system(s) they will enter into an agreement with.

What systems are there, and how can I get in touch with them? Scroll down for a list of system operators and their contact details. If you are placing packaging that is subject to system participation on the German market, you are required to conclude a contractual agreement with a system. To find out whether the system participation requirement applies to you and your packaging, click here.

Registered experts/auditors are listed in the public register of auditors (see divisions 1 and 2 of the LUCID Packaging Register); some of them also offer consulting services. The experts listed in division 1 are authorised to audit the volume flow records of systems and sector-specific solutions, as well as declarations of completeness. Experts listed in division 2 are authorised to audit declarations of completeness. We thank you for your understanding that we as a supervisory authority are unable – and are not permitted – to provide consulting services on an individual basis. In particular, we are not permitted to provide information regarding the selection of system operators or their fees. In addition, we are not permitted to comment on or provide information about any matters not contained in section 26 VerpackG (Packaging Act). Here too, we ask for your understanding.

For technical questions about the LUCID database, please contact our support hotline. The database itself contains a number of different tips and guidelines. 

For legal questions about our remit, please refer to the following:

• Subject-specific papers, such as the paper on 'essential questions for implementing the Verpackungsgesetz (Packaging Act)', an 'overview for trading companies'  and a paper for 'mail order companies and online retailers', to get started
• FAQ for general legal questions. We will post answers to all the written questions we frequently receive.
• Explanatory films on individual topics

Please describe your question as concisely as possible. In your email, please provide your full contact details and, if applicable, the complete address of your company or organisation.

Specific system participation questions

If you have questions about participating in a specific system, you can get in touch directly with a contact person at one or more of the system operators below:

Since the Verpackungsgesetz entered into force on 1 January 2019, the German Environment Agency has been responsible for the legal and technical supervision of the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Central Agency Packaging Register – ZSVR) in public law matters. It is also the reviewing authority in the appeal procedure against administrative acts of the ZSVR. In addition, the German Environment Agency is also the authorisation authority for the permission granted by the ZSVR to systems to publish reports as defined in § 21 (2) VerpackG, and for the minimum standard for recycling-friendly design.

The Umweltbundesamt is also the licensing authority for assessing the levies received by the ZSVR, as well as the accounting thereof.

You can contact the Umweltbundesamt using the following information:

Umweltbundesamt (German Environment Agency)
Fachgebiet III 1.6 - SG VerpackG
Wörlitzer Platz 1
06844 Dessau-Roßlau
Germany
Phone: +49 340 2103-0
E-mail: verpackg[at]uba.de
Visit the German Environment Agency's website