Taiwan will prohibit more businesses from providing free plastic bags from Jan. 1 next year as part of government efforts to reduce waste and promote ocean conservation, the Cabinet-level Environmental Protection Administration announced July 20.
Under the regulations, bakeries, bookstores, drinks shops, electronics stores, medical equipment stores and pharmacies will be barred from handing out free plastic bags with purchases. The rules are an extension of a 2002 ban covering government facilities, convenience stores, fast food restaurants, shopping centers and other establishments.
Premier Lin Chuan said that the new measures underscore the nation’s commitment to advancing environmental protection and marine ecological conservation. He urged the public to support the government in eliminating plastic waste through such efforts as carrying reusable containers, shopping bags and utensils.
According to the EPA, the 2002 restrictions, which apply to some 20,000 locations across Taiwan, have reduced disposable plastic bag use by 2 billion units per year. The new rules will extend the ban to an additional 80,000 stores nationwide, with plastic bag use projected to fall by 1.5 billion units annually.
Businesses that fail to comply with the regulations will receive a warning for first offenses and fines ranging from NT$1,200-$6,000 (US$39-$197) for subsequent violations.
EPA Minister Lee Ying-yuan said that the ban extension comes in response to the U.N. Ocean Conference’s call at the conclusion of a five-day meeting in June for urgent and decisive action to protect the world’s seas.
According to the minister, Taiwan is deeply concerned by the impact of plastic pollution on marine environments. Citing statistics from Switzerland-based nonprofit World Economic Forum, he said that every year 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans, with such waste forecast to outweigh all marine life by 2050.
Lee said that the government is drafting further restrictions on plastic use, including stricter regulations for products containing plastic microbeads. These efforts demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to eliminate single-use plastic products, reduce waste and promote environmentally friendly behaviors so as to help halt and reverse the decline in the health and productivity of the oceans, he added. (KWS-E)
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