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Germans among biggest wasters in EU

DPA/The Local
DPA/The Local - [email protected]
Germans among biggest wasters in EU
Photo: DPA.

Federal statistics office Destatis reported on Tuesday that each German compiled about a horse's weight in garbage annually, more than most other European countries.

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Germany was the fourth biggest waste-producer in the European Union in 2013, with each German piling up on average 617 kilograms (1,360 pounds) or roughly the size of a large horse.

This put Germany behind only Denmark (747 kg), Luxembourg (653 kg) and Cyprus (624 kg). Germany was also much higher than the EU average of 481 kilograms.

Household rubbish as well as industry and packaging waste were included in the amount.

The amount of garbage produced in eastern European countries was much lower, with Romania and Estonia creating the least amount of waste per person at 272 kilograms and 293 kilograms respectively.

A spokesperson for the statistics office told DPA that the reason for Germany's relatively large trashpile could be that it also has higher consumption. 

Another reason could be shopping habits, the spokesperson said.

Southern Europeans are more likely to buy food from open markets where produce is sold without packaging, therefore creating less waste.

SEE ALSO: Germans waste 18m tonnes of food yearly

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