Berlin
Updated on 04.12.2025
The Senate Department for Environment, Mobility, Consumer and Climate Protection is part of the Berlin state government. As the highest state authority, it is responsible for the implementation of environmental policy in the German capital and actively promotes topics such as the circular economy (CE), climate protection and the mobility revolution. There are about 40 people in the main responsible division, about 15 of whom are responsible for ministerial tasks, the development of strategies and the implementation of projects.
The Circular Economy in the city/region
The city of Berlin already performs significantly better than the national average in terms of its resource consumption, for example, in relation to land, water, mobility, and food. Berlin's recycling rates for waste glass and waste paper are also above average.
However, there is still considerable potential in the capital to reduce resource consumption and set a good example.
Leading organisation
City of Berlin
Unit/department/section
Senate Department for the Environment, Urban Mobility, Consumer Protection and Climate Action
Link to existing circular economy action plan
Based on the waste hierarchy and the Zero Waste Strategy, the Berlin Waste Management Concept 2020–2030 represents a lighthouse project, both nationally and internationally, for the development of a climate friendly and resource-conserving CE. In particular, the Berlin waste management concept sets more ambitious standards.
The city of Berlin already performs significantly better than the national average in terms of its resource consumption. For example, in relation to land, water, mobility and food. Berlin's recycling rates for waste glass and wastepaper are also above average.
However, there is still considerable potential in the capital to reduce resource consumption and set a good example.
Berlin's administration, business community, and civil society are already working in a variety of ways to conserve natural resources. With the help of this feasibility study, further targeted measures can now be developed and implemented. In doing so, the public sector will act as a role model.
Other activities
The City of Berlin have implemented a wide range of CE policies, projects, and initiatives:
- Berlin Waste Management Concept 2020–2030 – Zero Waste lighthouse project
- Berlin Energy and Climate Protection Programme (BEK 2030) – Climate neutrality roadmap
- Coordination Office for Circular Economy, Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection (KEK) – Business support
- Circular Berlin Network – NGO fostering local circular projects and education
- Circular Economy Hub Berlin – Digital platform for industrial circular economy knowledge
Participation in other relevant initiatives
The city of Berlin participates in the following initiatives:
- C40 (including the Waste to Resources Working Group)
- Covenant of Mayors
- Circular Cities Declaration
- OECD programme for cities and regions
