Goodbye pizza garbage: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg relies on reusable boxes!

Goodbye pizza garbage: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg relies on reusable boxes!

With a targeted approach to combating the growing environmental problem caused by pizza boxes, the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district is launching a new initiative to promote the disposal and use of reusable packaging. A press release from the district office explains that the announcement of the new measures was made on September 22, 2025. A central problem is pizza boxes, which often do not fit into conventional trash cans. This leads to improper disposal, which not only harms hygiene but also the environment.

To counteract this, so-called pizza box collectors are being set up at the Urbanhafen, Petersburger Platz and Volkspark Friedrichshain locations in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Under the motto "Pizza finito? Box in!" The aim is to encourage citizens to dispose of their used pizza boxes correctly and thus help avoid waste. In addition, new reusable offers are now being introduced in five local pizzerias.

Reusable pizza – a first step

The participating pizzerias are “Parma the Vinibenedetti”, “Pizzeria Laila”, “TERRA”, “Trattoria Bar Lambretta” and “Zeus Pizza & Pide”. They offer pizzas in reusable boxes that can be rented for a deposit of 5 euros. To support this initiative, the pizzerias receive a free starter pack worth 500 euros, which includes reusable containers and information materials. In addition, other companies can contact the project team and also become part of the campaign.

A special event to promote the project will take place on September 25th. The “Reusable Picnic with Pizza” action day will include a pizza walk and a pizza picnic on Boxhagener Platz. Presentations of artistic work by a school class and an installation on disposable pizza boxes are also planned. As part of the event, visitors can enjoy the pizzas in reusable boxes with a 50 percent discount.

A look at the packaging waste

Pizza boxes make up around 40 percent of packaging waste in the take-away sector in Germany, according to data from NABU and DUH. Due to fat residue, they are difficult to recycle and often have to be disposed of as residual waste, which leads to increased CO₂ emissions. There are also health concerns associated with pizza boxes, as they can contain questionable substances such as PFAS and bisphenols, which were revealed in a recent Öko-Test study.

The “Ask for Reusable – Pizza Edition” initiative aims to increase the use of reusable packaging and thus reduce the amount of waste and environmental impact. From February 2027, pizzerias will be required to allow their customers to bring their own reusable containers. A year later, they even have to provide their own reusable pizza-to-go offer without charging an extra charge. A PFAS ban on grease-repellent packaging will also come into effect from 2026.

The project is financed by the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district office and includes several measures to educate and raise awareness among customers as well as support for pizzerias that already rely on reusables. Those interested can find further information and opportunities to get involved on the Frag nach Mehrweg website.

If you have any questions, please contact the district office via email presse@ba-fk.berlin.de and by telephone at (030) 90298-2843.