Germany is at the top when it comes to recycling globally, however, it may not be enough to save Germany from all its waste. Germans recycle more than any other European country and in the world. But they also are one of the top countries that produce the most waste. In 2016, Germany was responsible for producing 626 kilograms of waste. The EU numbers have decreased in waste except for Germany. This is causing a booming industry of waste management.

Also reported in 2016, the waste management industry generated two billion euros in revenue. A dual public-private system is allowed by Germany’s 1991 packaging law (the “Verpackungsordunug"), and the industry-funded Green Dot recycling scheme. German municipalities and companies recycle their waste together. By placing the Green Dot label on packages, companies promise to collect the waste and recycle. Germany has a broad definition when defining what they considered to recycle. Much of their waste is not reused and sits in storage. German Environmental Minister Schulze is trying to change this and have the recycling program into a “fully integrated circular economy.”