30 disposable cups end up in Austria's trash every second

The Environment Agency Austria has analyzed successful measures from European countries to reduce single-use plastics in a report and provides concrete recommendations for Austria, such as legal requirements, financial incentives, and voluntary agreements, as stated in a press release on Thursday.

"Single-use plastic reflects our throwaway behavior. However, many European examples show that the switch to reusable is possible. It requires clear guidelines, incentives, and the cooperation of everyone," said Barbara Stoifl, waste expert at the Environment Agency Austria.

Examples from other EU countries show different approaches: Portugal aims to reduce the consumption of single-use packaging by 90 percent by 2030. Ireland imposes an additional fee on single-use cups with the "Latte Levy," and Germany requires larger businesses to offer an active reusable alternative.

Waste Problem: Consumers Should Also Be Reached

For Austria, the report recommends, among other things, binding reduction targets, economic instruments such as levies, information obligations on reusable solutions, as well as cooperation with gastronomy, trade, and delivery services. The measures should not only address political decision-makers but also support companies and consumers in the transition to reusable alternatives.

(APA/Red)

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