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Plastic Recycling October 15, 2018 10:30:39 AM

Japan's New Policy Aims at Notable Reduction in Use of Plastic Bags

Paul Ploumis
ScrapMonster Author
Also, the obligations will not be applicable to bags made from paper and other materials.

Japan's New Policy Aims at Notable Reduction in Use of Plastic Bags

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Japanese Environment Ministry has decided to introduce new policy measures to restrict the use of plastic bags in the country. This is part of country’s efforts to reduce waste from plastics. The policy aims to introduce key revisions to existing laws, ministry official noted. It must be noted that the government has taken several initiatives to reduce single-use plastic packaging at retails stores.

As part of the new policy, the retailers in the country, including supermarkets and convenience stores will be directed to charge fees from customers for plastic checkout bags issued to them or provide loyalty points to shoppers who bring their own bags for shopping. Although the range of retailers to be bound by the above rule is to be decided, it is assumed that small stores will be exempted. Also, the obligations will not be applicable to bags made from paper and other materials.

The above will be mentioned in the outline of its plastic recycling strategy to be released on October 19. The strategy will be finalized by June next year.

An expert committee will be formed to decide on whether bioplastic bags are to be charged or not. The effective date of start of the ban and punishment for violators will also be decided by the committee.

Meantime, several environmentalist groups demanded that government should do the needful to tax or ban plastic bags in the country and boost the sales of reusable bags at supermarkets and convenience stores.

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