Less packaging, more reuse

Last checked: 18.10.2026

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A deposit doesn't mean reusable, a reusable option is mandatory for takeaway, tap water is free: how to end up with less packaging in Berlin.

In Berlin, the recycling bin (Wertstofftonne) is mainly there for packaging – cups, film, trays, cans [4]. Even better than sorting it correctly is not bringing the packaging home in the first place. In everyday life you have three levers in your own hands: reusables for drinks, reusables for takeaway food and tap water instead of bottled water.

A deposit does not mean reusable

A deposit (Pfand) on a bottle does not necessarily mean that it will be refilled: there are also single-use bottles with a deposit [1]. The amount of the deposit gives you a clue. According to the Federal Environment Ministry (Bundesumweltministerium), reusable bottles usually carry 8 or 15 cents, while the single-use deposit is a uniform 25 cents [1]. Single-use bottles and cans bear the deposit logo of Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH, and in the shop the shelf must clearly say “EINWEG” (single-use) or “MEHRWEG” (reusable) [1][7]. The difference matters: reusable glass bottles can be refilled up to 50 times [1]. A crate is not a reliable sign either – there are single-use bottles in crates too [1]. Any shop that sells drinks in single-use bottles or cans with a deposit must take back empty ones free of charge during opening hours and refund your deposit – for every material it stocks itself, such as plastic, metal or glass [7]. Shops with less than 200 square metres of sales area only have to take back the brands they sell themselves [7].

Takeaway food and coffee: a reusable option is mandatory

Since 1 January 2023, restaurants, cafés, canteens, delivery services – and supermarkets too – that fill food into single-use plastic packaging or drinks into single-use cups to take away must also offer the same food and drinks in reusable containers [2]. The reusable option must not cost more or come with worse conditions; a deposit is allowed [2]. The business must point out the offer with a clearly visible sign and take back the reusable containers it hands out [2]. Small businesses with no more than five employees and no more than 80 square metres of sales area may instead fill the cup or container you bring yourself [2][7]. Since 12 August 2026, this obligation has been set out in the new Verpackungsrecht-Durchführungsgesetz (Packaging Law Implementation Act) [7].

So make a point of asking for reusables – and for coffee on the go, it is best to bring your own cup.

Tap water instead of bottles

Berlin's drinking water comes from the groundwater of the Berlin glacial valley (Berliner Urstromtal) and, according to the Berliner Wasserbetriebe – the city's public water utility – needs no additives at all [3]. Drinking tap water at home saves bottles, crates and trips to the shop. When you are out and about, you can refill your bottle for free at the roughly 250 public drinking fountains run by the water utility; they operate from April to October, and you will find a map of all locations on the Wasserbetriebe website [5].

Shopping loose

Package-free shops (Unverpackt-Läden) fill pasta, rice, nuts or detergent into containers you bring along. Bring clean jars, tins or cloth bags; the staff will explain how filling and weighing work in each shop. The area “Make things last” shows which shops we have checked (see below). You don't need an extra bag for fruit and vegetables either if you have your own with you.

What you still end up with

Packaging that cannot be avoided goes, depending on the material, into the recycling bin, the paper bin or the igloo-shaped bottle bank (Glasiglu) [4][6]. You don't need to rinse jars for this [6]. How to sort waste properly in Berlin is explained in the guide “Sorting waste in Berlin”.

Places and events

Shop package-freeMake things last · 3 places

Drinking fountains in BerlinMove and unwind

GuideSorting waste in Berlin