Product Stewardship,Waste Minimization and Economic Efficiency: Lessons from Germany

This paper introduces the concept of 'product stewardship' as a new policy approach towards solid waste management. The German Packaging Ordinance is analysed as a prototype of this new approach. Particular attention is paid to the economics of the Packaging Ordinance, to the practical implementation problems and to the likely impact of the planned EU Directive. Finally, what can be learned from the German experiences for the future design of waste management policies involving product stewardship is discussed.