This week is the federal election. An election that points the way ahead and is decisive for the future. There are more urgent topics on the agenda than ever before: What’s the next step after Corona?, climate protection, digitization, the nursing crisis – these are just a few examples. Of course, we are interested in how the CDU, FDP, SPD and the Greens position themselves on recycling.
Briefly on the federal election itself: A total of 47 parties are standing for election. These include the major parties, which we have limited our research to. The party programs are often very detailed and similar in many respects. That’s why we have answered the various questions briefly and concisely in a table.
Infrastructure: Do you support an EU-focused recycling infrastructure, as well as the classification of waste shipments as part of the circular economy?
| CDU | Yes. |
| FDP | Yes. |
| SPD | Yes. |
| Bündnis 90/DIE GRÜNEN | Yes. |
Instruments: Do you support needed steering instruments, such as ecodesign, for a circular economy?
| CDU | Basically yes. |
| FDP | No. |
| SPD | Yes. |
| Bündnis 90/DIE GRÜNEN | Yes. |
We had reported in the last article about the great danger posed by incorrectly disposed lithium-ion batteries and how many valuable resources are lost. By the way: You can find the article here.
Lithium-ion batteries: Do you support tools such as better battery recycling, better collection infrastructure, and mandatory deposits?
| CDU | Goal: To achieve comprehensive recycling in an effective circular economy.Goal: To achieve comprehensive recycling in an effective circular economy. |
| FDP | Increase collection rate and improve recycling, yes. Deposit requirement for lithium-ion batteries, no. |
| SPD | Yes – to higher target collection rates, clear labeling, assumption of responsibility by equipment manufacturers, support for a consumer-friendly and non-bureaucratic deposit system. |
| Bündnis 90/DIE GRÜNEN | Yes – the Greens support all of the above instruments. |
Basically, how much recycling do the parties want?
- Union: “Maximize recycling and guarantee raw material security.”
- FDP: Better to enable modern methods instead of banning products.
- SPD: The Waste Management Act must be adapted – for less waste and better recycling!
- Bündnis 90/DIE GRÜNEN: For waste avoidance and high-quality recycling.
- Die Linke: “Repair and reuse (…) take priority over recycling.”
But: A comprehensive picture of all parties should be made by each individual and especially in the different subject areas and find out the best choice for himself. The important thing here is to illuminate everything. We hope to have given you a good overview on the subject of recycling. On 26.09.2021 we all have it in our hands. Go vote.