Munich will implement 100 measures for a zero-waste city

One of the measures calls for the municipality to establish a second-hand furniture store

This week, Munich authorities announced the launch of their new zero-waste strategy which includes 100 measures. One of the more interesting features of the plan is that it includes establishing a second-hand furniture shop to minimise bulky and unnecessary waste.

The strategy will be implemented through inter-institutional cooperation and is supposed to reduce household and municipal waste by 15% to 35% (sector-dependent) per capita until 2035.

The strategy will focus not only on ramping up recycling efficiency for household waste but also on aiding commissions to help businesses develop their own strategies and a materials bank for the construction sector.

Waste reductions for households

According to an official statement by the city administration, the zero-waste strategy will reduce the annual per capita waste by 15% by 2035. In 2019, authorities estimated that per capita waste averaged out at about 366 kilograms, while in 2035 it would be 310 kilograms. On a city scale, however, that would amount to 85,000 tons less waste.

Above all, authorities want to focus on general waste, which is not recycled and ends up in incineration plants. In the next 13 years, it should drop by 35% from its 2019 level, or from 196 kilograms to 127. One of the ways to do that is by separating organic waste that can be turned into compost from non-recyclable materials.

Repair and reuse

Additional measures include a bonus system for repaired electronic devices and appliances, as well as the sale of used furniture by the city administration through a second-hand department store. Furthermore, the city will set up a circular economy advice centre for trade and commerce and will manage a building materials bank.  

There is also a reusable tableware scheme sponsored by the city, which grants restaurants and retail 500 euros to ensure people will keep the tableware in circulation through a deposit system.