Plastic bag ban

Plastic bags cause many minor and major ecological and environmental issues. The most general issue with plastic bags is the amount of waste produced. Many plastic bags end up on streets and subsequently pollute major water sources, rivers, and streams. File:Photodegraded Plastic Bag.jpg

Even when disposed of properly, they take many years to decompose and break down, generating large amounts of garbage over long periods of time. Improperly discarded bags have polluted waterways, clogged sewers and been found in oceans, affecting the ecosystem of marine creatures. Huge volumes of plastic waste end up in the oceans every year, causing threats to marine species and disruption to the marine food chain. Several microbial species colonize on plastic particles enhancing their harmfulness, and plastic particles driven by winds form garbage patches in various parts of the oceans.{{Cite journal |last1=Ghaffar |first1=Imania |last2=Rashid |first2=Muhammad |last3=Akmal |first3=Muhammad |last4=Hussain |first4=Ali |date=August 2022 |title=Plastics in the environment as potential threat to life: an overview |url=https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11356-022-21542-x |journal=Environmental Science and Pollution Research |volume=29 |issue=38 |pages=56928–56947 |doi=10.1007/s11356-022-21542-x |pmid=35713833 |bibcode=2022ESPR...2956928G |s2cid=249713887 |issn=0944-1344}} The UN estimates that there will be more plastics than fish in the oceans by 2050 unless countries comes up with urgent measures to promote efficient production, use and waste management of plastics throughout their life cycles.{{Cite web|title=Our planet is drowning in plastic pollution. This World Environment Day, it's time for a change|url=https://www.unenvironment.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution/|access-date=2020-08-24|website=www.unenvironment.org}}

Plastic bags have been found to contribute to global warming. After disposed of, if exposed to consistent sunlight the surface of such plastic produces significant amounts of two greenhouse gases – methane and ethylene. Furthermore, due to its low density/high branching properties, it breaks down more easily over time compared to other plastics leading to higher exposed surface areas and accelerated release of gases. Production of these trace gases from virgin plastics exponentially increases with surface area/time, thus LDPE emits greenhouse gases at a more unsustainable rate compared to other plastics. At the end of a 212-day incubation, emissions have been recorded at 5.8 nanomoles per gram per day (nmol⋅g⁻¹⋅d⁻¹) of methane, 14.5 nmol⋅g⁻¹⋅d⁻¹ of ethylene, 3.9 nmol⋅g⁻¹⋅d⁻¹ of ethane and 9.7 nmol⋅g⁻¹⋅d⁻¹ of propylene.{{cite journal|last1=Karl|first1=David M.|last2=Wilson|first2=Samuel T.|last3=Ferrón|first3=Sara|last4=Royer|first4=Sarah-Jeanne|date=1 August 2018|title=Production of methane and ethylene from plastic in the environment|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=13|issue=8|pages=e0200574|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0200574|issn=1932-6203|pmc=6070199|pmid=30067755|bibcode=2018PLoSO..1300574R|doi-access=free}} {{cc-notice|cc=by4|from this source=y}}

Two primary kinds of direct damage to wildlife are entanglement and ingestion.{{cite book|url=http://www.unep.org/regionalseas/marinelitter/publications/docs/trash_that_kills.pdf|title=Marine litter – trash that kills|access-date=15 November 2016|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402044415/http://www.unep.org/regionalseas/marinelitter/publications/docs/trash_that_kills.pdf|url-status=dead}} Animals can become entangled and drown.{{cite web|url=http://plasticwastesolutions.com/plastic-litter/#Plastic%20Waste%20and%20Wildlife|title=Plastic Waste and Wildlife|website=Plastic Waste Solutions|access-date=1 January 2018}} Plastic bags are often ingested by animals that cannot distinguish them from food. As a result, they clog their intestines which results in death by starvation. Plastic bags can block drains, trap birds and kill livestock. The World Wide Fund for Nature has estimated that over 100,000 whales, seals, and turtles die every year{{Cite web|title=Plastic in our oceans is killing marine mammals|url=https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/plastic-in-our-oceans-is-killing-marine-mammals|access-date=2021-06-11|website=www.wwf.org.au}} as a result of eating or being trapped by plastic bags. In India, an estimated number of 20 cows die per day as a result of ingesting plastic bags and having their digestive systems clogged by the bags. It is also very common across Africa to have sewers and drain systems clogged by bags which cause severe cases of malaria due to the increased population of mosquitoes that live on the flooded sewers.{{cite web|url= https://www.google.de/search?client=opera&q="Getting+Friendly+Environment"+"The+Dell+Challenge"&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8|title=Getting Friendly Environment|publisher=The Dell Challenge|access-date=28 January 2014}} The term "white pollution" has been coined in China to describe the local and global effects of discarded plastic bags upon the environment.{{cite news|last1=Watts|first1=Jonathan|title=China's biggest plastic bag maker closes after ban|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/feb/27/china.plasticbags|access-date=12 October 2015|date=27 February 2008|newspaper=The Guardian}}

Lightweight plastic bags are also blown into trees and other plants and can be mistaken for food. Plastic bags break down by polymer degradation but not by biodegradation. As a result, any toxic additives they contain—including flame retardants, antimicrobials, and plasticizers—will be released into the environment. Many of those toxins directly affect the endocrine systems of organisms, which control almost every cell in the body.{{cite journal|last=Kiener|first=Robert|title=Plastic Pollution|journal=CQ Global Researcher|date=1 July 2010|pages=157–184}} Research shows the average operating "lifespan" of a plastic bag to be approximately 20 years.{{Cite web|title=The lifecycle of plastics|url=https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/the-lifecycle-of-plastics|access-date=2021-06-11|website=www.wwf.org.au}}

Plastic bags dumped in the Pacific Ocean can end up in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. 80% of the plastic waste comes from land; the rest comes from oil platforms and ships.{{cite web|title=Facts|url=http://garbagepatch.net/greatpacificoceangarbagepatchfacts/|website=Garbage Patch – The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and other pollution issues|access-date=16 November 2016}} This can be eaten by marine animals, and block their breathing passages and digestive systems. Plastic bags not only add to the Great Pacific garbage patch, they can be washed ashore around the world.{{cite web|last1=Garces|first1=Diego|title=A staggering amount of waste – much of which has only existed for the past 60 years or so – enters the oceans each year.|url=http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/problems/pollution/|website=World Wildlife Fund|access-date=16 November 2016}}

The two most popular methods of phasing out lightweight plastic bags are charges and bans, but there are a number of methods which have been found effective.

Lightweight plastic charges include all taxes, levies, and fees placed on the sale of single use plastic bags to consumers. As of 2018, 30 countries charge consumers when they purchase lightweight carrier bags. The charge strategy has all the same results in plastic bag reduction as a plastic bag ban, with the additional benefit of creating a new revenue source.{{cite journal |first1=Lisa |last1=Skumatz |first2=Dana |last2=D'Souza |date=November 2016 |title=Bag ban basics |journal=Plastics Recycling Update |volume=35 |issue=11 |pages=16–19 |url=https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2016/12/08/bag-ban-basics/ }} The plastic bag charge method also protects consumer choice, which the ban does not.

Lightweight plastic bans constitute strict bans on the sale and distribution of single use plastic bags to consumers by retailers. As of 2018, 27 countries had completely banned the sale of  plastic lightweight carrier bags.  The ban strategy, while being the most effective and direct approach to reduce consumption of single-use plastic bags, increases the consumption of non-banned bags, plastic carriers slightly thicker than the lightweight bags which are still disposed of by consumers.  In this way, bans decrease lightweight bag consumption, but increase other plastic carrier consumption and pollution.{{Cite journal |last1=Taghipour |first1=Hassan |last2=Mohammadpoorasl |first2=Asghar |last3=Tarfiei |first3=Mahdihe |last4=Jafari |first4=Nasrin |date=2023-11-01 |title=Single-use plastic bags: challenges, consumer's behavior, and potential intervention policies |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10163-023-01763-z |journal=Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management |language=en |volume=25 |issue=6 |pages=3404–3413 |doi=10.1007/s10163-023-01763-z |bibcode=2023JMCWM..25.3404T |issn=1611-8227}}

Many countries have decided to tax manufacturers and distributors of lightweight plastic bags, instead of placing the responsibility upon consumers.  As of 2018, 27 countries taxed the manufacturing and production of plastic bags while 63 countries placed mandates for extended producer responsibility for single-use plastic.  Extended producer responsibility means that producers carry the burden of responsibility even after the consumer purchases their products, meaning on a practical level that producers are required to help pay and support programs that properly recycle these bags or that producers are encouraged to change the design of their bags. This is the only method of regulation that places the burden on producers, instead of consumers.

Recycling of plastic bags can be another method of phase-out. However, only 5% of plastic bags make it to recycling facilities. Even when bags are brought to recycling facilities, they often fly out of these bins or recycling trucks and end up as litter on the streets.{{cite journal |title=Momentum for Plastic Bag Bans Spreading; Recycling Programs Earn Mixed Reviews |journal=Solid Waste Report |volume=45 |issue=8 |date=April 25, 2014 |pages=5–6 }} Another issue with recycling is that different bags are made from different yet aesthetically similar types of plastics. Bags can be either made of bioplastics or biodegradable plastics, and if accidentally combined in a compost, the bioplastics could contaminate the biodegradable composting. These bags can also jam recycling equipment when mixed with other types of plastic, which can be costly to repair. For example, costs of repairs rounded out to be about $1 million per year in San Jose, California.

File:Grocery bag comparisons of environmental impact, OWID.svg

File:Grocery bag comparisons for greenhouse gas emissions, OWID.svg

Across the world, plastic bag regulation has worked to decrease lightweight plastic bag usage rates, with usage rates after lightweight plastic charges best demonstrating this point. According to a 2018 study in the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, a five-cent tax on disposable bags reduced disposable bag usage by 40 percentage points.{{cite journal |last1=Homonoff |first1=Tatiana A. |title=Can Small Incentives Have Large Effects? The Impact of Taxes versus Bonuses on Disposable Bag Use |journal=American Economic Journal: Economic Policy |date=1 November 2018 |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=177–210 |doi=10.1257/pol.20150261 |doi-access=free }} According to a 2019 review of existing studies, levies and taxes led to a 66% reduction in usage in Denmark, more than 90% in Ireland, between 74 and 90% in South Africa, Belgium, Hong Kong, Washington D.C., Santa Barbara, the UK and Portugal, and around 50% in Botswana and China.

While bans mean that researchers cannot collect data on the use rates of plastic carrier bags, their effectiveness can be seen in pollution reduction.  Between 2010 and 2014 after a city-wide ban, there was a 50% decrease in the presence of single-use plastic bag Seattle's residential waste, despite the city's population growing by 10%.{{Cite journal |last=Wagner |first=Travis P. |date=2017-12-01 |title=Reducing single-use plastic shopping bags in the USA |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956053X17306335 |journal=Waste Management |volume=70 |pages=3–12 |doi=10.1016/j.wasman.2017.09.003 |pmid=28935376 |bibcode=2017WaMan..70....3W |issn=0956-053X}} A 2019 study in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management found that the implementation of a ban on plastic carryout bags in California led to a reduction of 40 million pounds of plastic through the elimination of plastic carryout bags but that Californians purchased 12 million pounds of plastic through trash bag purchases.{{cite journal |last1=Taylor |first1=Rebecca L.C. |title=Bag leakage: The effect of disposable carryout bag regulations on unregulated bags |journal=Journal of Environmental Economics and Management |date=January 2019 |volume=93 |pages=254–271 |doi=10.1016/j.jeem.2019.01.001 |bibcode=2019JEEM...93..254T |s2cid=157950286 }} The study showed that before the introduction of the ban between 12% and 22% of plastic carryout bags were re-used as trash bags.

Plastic bag bans can lead to larger black markets in plastic bags. Studies show that plastic bag bans can shift people away from using thin plastic bags, but it can also increase the use of unregulated single use paper bags or unregulated thicker plastic bags in areas where these are provided for free.{{Cite journal |last1=Homonoff |first1=Tatiana |last2=Kao |first2=Lee-Sien |last3=Selman |first3=Javiera |last4=Seybolt |first4=Christina |date=February 2021 |title=Skipping the Bag: The Intended and Unintended Consequences of Disposable Bag Regulation |url=http://www.nber.org/papers/w28499.pdf |location=Cambridge, MA |pages=w28499 |doi=10.3386/w28499|s2cid=214720395 }} Further, the bans can drive significant increases in sales of trash bags because people could no longer reuse their old grocery bags for things like lining small trash cans.{{cite journal |last1=Nielsen |first1=Tobias Dan |last2=Holmberg |first2=Karl |last3=Stripple |first3=Johannes |date=March 2019 |title=Need a bag? A review of public policies on plastic carrier bags – Where, how and to what effect? |journal=Waste Management |volume=87 |pages=428–440 |doi=10.1016/j.wasman.2019.02.025 |pmid=31109543 |bibcode=2019WaMan..87..428N |hdl=10654/44108 |s2cid=104472741|hdl-access=free }}{{Cite news |title=Are Plastic Bag Bans Garbage? |work=NPR.org |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2019/04/09/711181385/are-plastic-bag-bans-garbage |access-date=2022-05-29}}{{r|Bag_leakage_study|p=270|q=Overall, my results suggest that DCB policies are shifting consumers towards fewer but heavier bags. The question remains: Do the benefits of reduced litter and marine debris outweigh the costs of greater greenhouse gas emissions from thicker plastic and paper bags? In order to answer this question and evaluate the environmental success of DCB policies, future research is needed on the costs and benefits of plastic marine debris reduction.}}.{{r | NPR_Bag_ban | p=1 | q=Taylor found these bag bans did what they were supposed to: People in the cities with the bans used fewer plastic bags, which led to about 40 million fewer pounds of plastic trash per year. But people who used to reuse their shopping bags for other purposes, like picking up dog poop or lining trash bins, still needed bags. "What I found was that sales of garbage bags actually skyrocketed after plastic grocery bags were banned," she says. This was particularly the case for small, 4-gallon bags, which saw a 120 percent increase in sales after bans went into effect. Trash bags are thick and use more plastic than typical shopping bags. "So about 30 percent of the plastic that was eliminated by the ban comes back in the form of thicker garbage bags," Taylor says. }}{{r | Bag_leakage_study | p=254 | q=Abstract – Leakage occurs when partial regulation of consumer products results in increased consumption of these products in unregulated domains. This article quantifies plastic leakage from the banning of plastic carryout bags. Using quasi-random policy variation in California, I find the elimination of ≥70 million pounds of plastic carryout bags is offset by a 12 million pound increase in trash bag purchases—with small, medium, and tall trash bag sales increasing by 120%, 64%, and 6%, respectively. The results further reveal 12–22% of plastic carryout bags were reused as trash bags pre-regulation and show bag bans shift consumers towards fewer but heavier bags. With a substantial proportion of carryout bags already reused in a way that avoided the manufacture and purchase of another plastic bag, policy evaluations that ignore leakage effects overstate the regulation's welfare gains. }}{{r | Bag_leakage_study | p=270 | q=Overall, my results suggest that DCB policies are shifting consumers towards fewer but heavier bags. The question remains: Do the benefits of reduced litter and marine debris outweigh the costs of greater greenhouse gas emissions from thicker plastic and paper bags? In order to answer this question and evaluate the environmental success of DCB policies, future research is needed on the costs and benefits of plastic marine debris reduction. }}{{excessive citations inline|date=November 2022}}

The thicker reusable bags that are intended to replace single-use bags are recyclable. However, they require a specific recycling process, which requires that they be disposed of separately from other household recyclable materials.{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2024 |title=Plastic |url=https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/dpw/recycling/Plastic.html}}{{Cite news |last=Roy |first=Jessica |date=August 24, 2023 |title=California's plastic bag ban is failing. here's why. |url=https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-08-24/whats-the-deal-with-single-use-plastic-bag-bans. |access-date=July 26, 2024 |newspaper=LA Times}} An estimated 6% of plastic bags are recycled.{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Don |date=December 29, 2022 |title=Thicker, reusable plastic bags in ca might not be recyclable |url=https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-bags-recycling/103-b00405c7-96ce-469f-99ec-3d1a77ac1e48 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |work=abc10}} This can lead to an overall increase in plastic waste from plastic bags.

The production of some non-plastic bags (e.g. paper, cotton, using virgin plastic such as plastic having thickness of 50 micron) can produce more greenhouse gas emissions than plastic bags, which means that greenhouse gas emissions may increase on net following plastic bag bans. Alternatives to plastic bags would need to be reused over a hundred times to make them more environmentally friendly than plastic bags.{{Cite news |last=Gollom |first=Mark |date=October 9, 2020 |title=Why a plastic bag ban could lead to unintended environmental consequences |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/plastic-grocery-bag-ban-environment-1.5755723 |access-date=May 29, 2022}} They are also viewed as less sanitary than plastic because they can bring germs from outside the store to high contact volume surfaces like carts and check out stands.

{{Update section|date=February 2024|reason=Details about Australia are not completely accurate}}

[[File:Plastic bag legislation.svg|upright=3|alt=Phase out of lightweight plastic bags around the world|center|thumb|Phase out of lightweight plastic bags around the world (laws passed but not yet in effect are not shown on map)

{{legend|#48ab06|Plastic bags banned}}

{{legend|#d4af13|A charge on some plastic bags}}

{{legend|#FF6600|Voluntary charge agreement}}

{{legend|#820782|Partial charge or ban (municipal or regional levels)}}]]

File:Niger, Karey Gorou, (7) waste disposal.jpg

Kenya made the first attempt to ban the manufacturing and importation of plastic bags in 2007 and 2011 as a way to protect the environment.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/kenya-bans-plastic-bags-2179928.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220526/https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/kenya-bans-plastic-bags-2179928.html |archive-date=26 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Kenya bans plastic bags|date=9 January 2011|newspaper=The Independent UK|access-date=2 July 2012}} The 2007 and 2011 ban targeting plastics below 30 microns failed after manufacturers and retail outlets threatened to pass on the cost of using other materials to consumers.{{cite web |url=http://www.africareview.com/News/Nairobi-city-to-ban-use-of-plastic-bags/-/979180/2268346/-/laqh4lz/-/index.html |title=Nairobi city to ban use of plastic bags |date=3 April 2014 |publisher=Africa Review Kenya |access-date=5 May 2015 |archive-date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205061408/http://www.africareview.com/News/Nairobi-city-to-ban-use-of-plastic-bags/-/979180/2268346/-/laqh4lz/-/index.html |url-status=dead }} In 2017 the cabinet secretary of Environment and Natural resources, Judi Wakhungu, banned the use, manufacture and importation of all plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging under Gazette notice number 2356.{{cite web |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001232791/government-bans-use-of-plastic-bags|title=Government bans use of plastic bags|access-date=2017-08-29}} On 28 August 2017, Kenya began implementing a countrywide ban of single-use plastic bags. Primary packaging bags, hospital waste bags, and garbage bin liners have been exempted from the ban. The ban has been hailed as one of the most stringent in the world, with fines of up to $40000, or four years in prison.

President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2019, during World Environment Day, further solidified Kenya's efforts to fight plastic pollution and in the sustainable management of waste by banning single-use plastics in protected natural areas.{{Cite web|title=Uhuru Kenyatta bans single-use plastic products in parks, beaches|url=https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/uhuru-kenyatta-bans-single-use-plastic-products-in-parks-beaches-174526|access-date=2020-08-24|website=Daily Nation|date=28 June 2020}} The ban, which came into effect on 5 June 2020, prohibits the use of plastics in National Parks, beaches, forests and conservation areas.

In May 2019, The House of Representatives of Nigeria banned the production, import and usage of plastic bags in the country.

Rwanda's plastic bag ban went into effect in 2008. The Rwandan government has encouraged other countries in their region to ban plastic bags as well, starting in 2011.{{Cite journal |last=Behuria |first=Pritish |date=December 2021 |title=Ban the (plastic) bag? Explaining variation in the implementation of plastic bag bans in Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda |journal=Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space |volume=39 |issue=8 |pages=1791–1808 |doi=10.1177/2399654421994836 |s2cid=233889198 |issn=2399-6544|doi-access=free }}

Plastic bags were banned in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland on 1 March 2005 after a 120-day grace period that the government had given to the public to get rid of their stocks. The Ministry of Trade and Industries announced the cabinet decision in a decree titled: "Banning importation, production and use of plastic bags in the country". The bags had been nicknamed "the Hargeysa flower", as many of them ended up being blown around and getting stuck in trees and shrubs, posing a danger to livestock because the animals that feed on the leaves often ingest the bags accidentally. In 2015 the ban was repeated by Presidential Decree No. #JSL/M/XERM/249-3178/042015, again providing for a 120 days grace period to get rid of stocks. To ensure the implementation of the ban, the government constituted enforcement teams in 2016 to conduct special drives which launch probes into business stalls. At least 1000 men and women in uniform deployed into the main markets and shopping malls. The government announced fines against violators who continue selling plastic bags in the country.

Plastic bags were a major concern in South Africa before the bag levy was introduced in 2004. The bags were never banned, but a levy was introduced, payable by the plastic bag manufacturer. The thicker plastic bags are levied and although this move initially caused outrage with consumers and an initial decline in volumes, consumers use has continually increased to several billion plastic shopping bags every year.

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar banned plastic bags in 2005.{{cite news| title = Zanzibar islands ban plastic bags

| work = BBC| access-date = 2012-09-29| date = 2006-11-10| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6135886.stm}} Tanzania introduced plans to implement a nationwide ban on plastic bags in 2006.{{cite news| last = Pflanz| first = Mike| title = Tanzania to ban all plastic bags| work = The Daily Telegraph | access-date = 2012-09-29| date = 2006-04-04| url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/tanzania/1514793/Tanzania-to-ban-all-plastic-bags.html}} However, its ratification had been delayed for more than ten years.{{Cite web|url=http://www.darpost.com/2017/01/plastic-bag-ban-delayed/|title=Plastic bag ban delayed – Dar Post|access-date=2019-06-01|archive-date=1 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601083814/http://www.darpost.com/2017/01/plastic-bag-ban-delayed/|url-status=dead}} The ban finally came into effect on 1 June 2019.

Tunisia introduced a ban on plastic bag distribution in supermarkets starting from 1 March 2017. An agreement was signed between the Ministry of Local Affairs and Environment and large supermarket chains in the country to enact the first phase of a process aiming to reduce the consumption of plastic bags. Tunisian activists are planning awareness campaigns to establish greener policies in the country.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thearabweekly.com/Environment/8063/Tunisia-bans-plastic-bags-in-supermarkets|title=Tunisia bans plastic bags in supermarkets|website=The Arab Weekly|access-date=2017-04-10|archive-date=11 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411060410/http://www.thearabweekly.com/Environment/8063/Tunisia-bans-plastic-bags-in-supermarkets|url-status=dead}}

File:Trash in kampala.jpg

Uganda introduced legislation in 2007 to ban the sale of lightweight plastic bags under 30 μm thick and tax thicker bags at a punitive rate of 120%. Although the laws came into effect in September of that year, they have not been enforced and have failed to measurably reduce the use of plastic bags.{{cite news | last = Tenywa | first = Gerald | title = Paper bag makers shift base as kaveera ghost hits with vengeance | work = New Vision | location = Kampala | access-date = 2012-09-29 | date = 2009-01-11 | url = http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/9/36/667708 }} The law is not well enforced.{{cite web|url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Manufacturers-plastic-bags-get-reprieve-/2560-3869798-f5s19xz/index.html|title=Makers of plastic bags get reprieve|access-date=27 November 2017}}

A strict ban was introduced in Bangladesh in 2002 after floods caused by littered plastic bags submerged two-thirds of the country in water between 1988 and 1998. Plastic bags remain a big problem for sewerage system and waterways.

Cambodia passed legislation to impose a plastic bag tax in October 2017. Supermarkets now charge customers 400 Riels (10 US cents) per plastic bag should they need one.

A total plastic bag ban on ultra thin plastic bags and a fee on plastic bags was introduced in China on 1 June 2008. This came into effect because of the problems with sewerage and general waste. One 2009 survey suggests that plastic bag use fell between 60 and 80% in Chinese supermarkets, and 40 billion fewer bags were used. However, first hand accounts clearly indicate, the ban has seen limited success, and that the use of plastic bags remains prevalent. Street vendors and smaller stores, which make up a significant portion of retail in China, do not abide by the policy in part due to difficulties of enforcing the ban.

The term "white pollution" ({{lang-zh|s=白色污染|p=baise wuran}}, less often "white garbage" {{lang-zh|s=白色垃圾|p=baise laji}}) appears to be local to China and later to South Asia, enjoying far less use and recognition outside of the region. It refers to the color of white plastic shopping bags, styrofoam containers, and other light-colored materials that began turning up in visible volume in agricultural fields, the landscape, and waterways in the mid- to late 1990's. The first references to the term "white pollution" appear in official language at least as early as 1999, when the first bans were imposed by the State Council.{{cite journal |last1=Iechika |first1=Ryoko (家近亮子) |title=日本の対中環境協力と中国の環境行政システム |journal=环境情报研究8号 |date=2000 |volume=8 |page=95 (note 1) |url=https://keiai.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=1646&item_no=1&attribute_id=19&file_no=1 |access-date=24 November 2021 |trans-title=Japanese environmental cooperation for China and the system of environmental administration of China |language=Japanese |quote=The term 'white pollution' refers to the contamination caused by dumping of plastic products such as PET bottles and burning of styrofoam products such as disposable lunch boxes. In China, a mandate was handed down from the State Council to eliminate 'white pollution.' It was held in October 1999 that the production and use of disposable plastic returnable containers would be prohibited in 2000. China is the world's fourth largest plastic product producing country. Source: People's Daily International Edition, October 18, 1999.}}{{cite news |title=Chinese cities to curb 'white pollution' |url=http://en.people.cn/english/200011/16/eng20001116_55321.html |access-date=24 November 2021 |agency=People's Daily (English edition) |date=16 November 2000}}{{cite news |title=爱山环保日活动挑战"白色污染" (Aishan Ecology Day activities set to battle 'white pollution') |url=http://www.people.com.cn/GB/huanbao/56/20020316/688680.html |access-date=24 November 2021 |publisher=People's Daily |date=16 March 2002 |language=Chinese }}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news |last1=Chen |first1=Zhiyong |title=Finding solutions to 'white pollution' |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2006-01/21/content_514297.htm |access-date=24 November 2021 |publisher=People's Daily (English edition) |date=21 January 2006 |quote=But despite their handiness, the plastic bags and foam plastic food containers have been associated with 'white pollution,' because they are non-degradable.}}{{cite journal |last1=Harrell |first1=Stevan |last2=Hinckley |first2=Thomas M. |last3=Li |first3=Xingxing |last4=Ho |first4=Joanne |last5=Warren |first5=Kayanna |last6=Nadal |first6=Ross T. |title=Historical ecological change in the upper Baiwu Valley (白乌溪流域的历代生态变迁) |url=http://faculty.washington.edu/stevehar/baiwu.pdf}}

{{main|Hong Kong plastic shopping bag environmental levy scheme}}

Hong Kong forbids retailers from giving plastic bags under a certain thickness and for free. A 50 cent plastic bag levy was implemented on 1 April 2015 across Hong Kong. The use of plastic bags dropped 90% after the introduction of the levy. Signs show that Hong Kong is phasing out the use of plastic bags at a dramatic rate.

File:Malpublicinfoboard.JPG, Kerala, India.]]

In 2002, India banned the production of plastic bags below 20 μm in thickness to prevent plastic bags from clogging of the municipal drainage systems and to prevent the cows of India ingesting plastic bags as they confuse it for food. However, enforcement remains a problem.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also passed regulation to ban all polythene bags less than 50 microns on 18 March 2016.{{cite web|title=Minimum Thickness of Plastic Carry Bags Increased from 40 to 50 Microns|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=138144|publisher=Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change}} Due to poor implementation of this regulation, regional authorities (states and municipal corporations), have had to implement their own regulation.

In 2016, Sikkim, India's first fully organic state,{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sikkim-becomes-indias-first-organic-state/article8107170.ece|title=India's first organic state|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2016-01-14}} banned the use of not only packaged drinking water bottles in any government meetings or functions but also food containers made from polystyrene foam all over the state.{{Cite web|url=https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/sikkim-becomes-the-first-indian-state-to-ban-mineral-water-bottles-in-govt-programmes-1409904|title=Sikkim Becomes the First Indian State to Ban Mineral Water Bottles in Govt Programmes|website=NDTV Food}}

Himachal Pradesh was the first state to ban plastic bags less than 30 μm. The Karnataka state became first state to ban all forms of plastic carry bags, plastic banners, plastic buntings, flex, plastic flags, plastic plates, plastic cups, plastic spoons, cling films and plastic sheets for spreading on dining tables irrespective of thickness including the above items made of thermacol and plastic which uses plastic micro beads.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/total-plastic-ban-in-karnataka/articleshow/51397198.cms|title=Total plastic ban in Karnataka {{pipe}} Bengaluru News |website=The Times of India|date=14 March 2016 }}{{cite web|url=http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/articles/karnataka-plastic-ban-petition-order-march-2016|title=HC refuses to stay plastic ban; asks plastic industry to go to Green Tribunal|date=2016-03-30}}

The state of Goa has banned bags up to 40 μm thick,{{cite news|last=TNN|title=Plea to relax ban on plastic bags below 40 microns|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-20/goa/39391935_1_plastic-bags-state-pollution-control-board-jose-manuel-noronha|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629123504/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-20/goa/39391935_1_plastic-bags-state-pollution-control-board-jose-manuel-noronha|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2013|access-date=30 May 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|date=20 May 2013}} while the city of Mumbai bans bags below a minimum thickness to 50 μm.{{cite web|last=Press Trust of India|title=Mumbai to ban plastic bags; to amend law|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1330196/report-mumbai-to-ban-plastic-bags-to-amend-law|publisher=Diligent Media Corporation Ltd.|access-date=30 May 2013|date=2 January 2010}}

The state Government of Maharashtra banned plastic starting 23 June 2018.{{cite web|title=Plastic Waste Management in Maharashtra|url=http://mpcb.gov.in/plastic/plastic.php|publisher=Maharashtra Pollution Control Board|access-date=22 June 2018|date=23 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821144803/http://www.mpcb.gov.in/plastic/plastic.php|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=dead}} The state Government of Tamil Nadu also banned plastic starting 1 January 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/95rPBVTWmQqMrYeQatW5JM/Tamil-Nadu-to-start-new-year-with-plastics-ban.html|title=Tamil Nadu to usher in New Year on green note with ban on single-use plastic|first=Dharani|last=Thangavelu|date=31 December 2018|website=mint}}

From 2016, the Environment Ministry obliged retailers in 23 cities across the archipelago (mini-markets, hypermarkets, and supermarkets) to charge consumers between Rp.200 and Rp.5,000 for each plastic bag, including degradable plastic bags. Money raised by the tax are used as public funds for waste management alongside non-governmental organizations.

The island of Bali banned single-use plastic bags, straws, and styrofoam, effective July 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.theinertia.com/environment/single-use-plastic-ban-bali-indonesia-bye-bye-plastic-bags-wsl-surfing-environment/|title=Bali Institutes a Ban on Single-Use Plastics in 2019 With Aggressive Reduction Goals|first=Dylan|last=Heyden|website=The Inertia|date=24 January 2019 }} Other major cities, including Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang and Bogor, have since also banned single use plastic bags.{{cite news |last1=Dharmastuti |first1=Hestiana |title=Sebelum Jakarta, Bali hingga Semarang Lebih Dulu Larang Kantong Plastik |url=https://news.detik.com/berita/d-4849341/sebelum-jakarta-bali-hingga-semarang-lebih-dulu-larang-kantong-plastik/3 |work=detiknews |date=7 January 2020 |language=id-ID}}

Since January 2017, large retailers are required to charge consumers for plastic bags with handles, at NIS 0.10 for each bag. The tax revenues will be used to fund public waste-management programs.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} The average use of plastic bags in Israel in 2014 was 275 per person per year. Four months after the law came into force, the number of disposable plastic bags distributed by retailers subject to the law had dropped by 80%.{{cite news|url=http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-disposable-plastic-bag-use-falls-1001190032|title=Disposable plastic bag use falls very sharply – Globes English|website=Globes|date=25 May 2017|access-date=27 November 2017}}

The Philippines is the world's third-largest ocean polluter despite a waste management act which came into effect 18 years ago. Efforts to regulate plastics have been hampered by corruption, lack of political will, and the proliferation and wide accessibility of single-use plastic products.{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health/article/2168819/philippines-plastic-pollution-why-so-much-waste-ends-oceans|title=This is why Philippines is world's third-largest ocean plastic polluter|date=18 October 2018|website=South China Morning Post}}

In 2010, Muntinlupa became the first local government in the National Capital Region to ban plastic bags and styrofoam in shops.{{Cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/217655/first-to-ban-plastics-in-ncr-muntinlupa-city-takes-campaign-further|title=First to ban plastics in NCR, Muntinlupa City takes campaign further|first=Nathaniel R.|last=Melican|date=24 June 2012|website=INQUIRER.net}} This was followed by the measures in the cities of Las Piñas (2 January 2012), Pasig (1 January 2012), Quezon City (1 September 2012, bags for a fee), Pasay (1 September 2012, bags for a fee), Makati (30 June 2013), and Paranaque (June 2021).{{Cite web|url=http://archives.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Weekender&title=to-plastic-or-not-to-plastic-that-is-the-question...&id=47636|title=BusinessWorld {{pipe}} To plastic or not to plastic, that is the question...|website=archives.bworldonline.com}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web |last=Inquirer |first=Philippine Daily |date=2021-01-20 |title=Parañaque City to ban single-use plastics |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1385885/paranaque-city-to-ban-single-use-plastics |access-date=2023-07-15 |website=INQUIRER.net}}

Metro Manila cities that have delayed imposing regulations and bans include Taguig, Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela, Navotas and San Juan, which are home to hundreds of plastics and rubber manufacturing companies. In one city, a mayor's family owns a 60-hectare "Plastic City Industrial" compound.

On 4 July 2019, Senator Francis Pangilinan filed a bill seeking to phase out single-use plastic products by prohibiting importation, manufacture and use in food establishments, stores, markets, and retailers.{{Cite web|url=http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2019/0704_pangilinan1.asp|title=Press Release - Bawal ang plastic: Kiko|website=legacy.senate.gov.ph}}{{Cite web|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/07/04/days-of-single-use-plastic-to-end-with-approval-of-pangilinans-senate-bill-40/|title=Days of single-use plastic to end with approval of Pangilinan's Senate Bill 40|access-date=2 August 2019|archive-date=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210065604/https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/07/04/days-of-single-use-plastic-to-end-with-approval-of-pangilinans-senate-bill-40/|url-status=dead}}

Large supermarkets in Singapore are required to charge a disposable carrier bag tax of at least 5 cents per bag, since 3 July 2023.{{Cite web |title=Large supermarkets to charge minimum 5 cents for each disposable carrier bag |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/plastic-bag-charge-5-cents-minimum-disposable-carrier-bags-large-supermarkets-2544651 |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=CNA}}{{Cite web |title=Disposable Carrier Bag Charge |url=https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/disposable-carrier-bag-charge |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=www.nea.gov.sg |quote=From 3 July 2023, larger supermarket operators with annual turnover of more than $100 million, will be required to charge at least five cents for each disposable carrier bag provided at their SFA-licensed supermarkets. The charge will apply to disposable carrier bags of all material types.}} Within the first six months of implementation, supermarkets reported a significant drop in the distribution of plastic bags, with some outlets experiencing a 50-80% reduction.{{Cite web |title=Plastic bag use at supermarkets has dropped by up to 80% since mandatory charge |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/supermarket-plastic-bag-charge-disposable-carrier-drop-use-grace-fu-4035166#:~:text=Singapore-,Plastic%20bag%20use%20at%20supermarkets%20has%20dropped%20by%20up%20to,and%20the%20Environment%20Grace%20Fu. |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=CNA |language=en}} The policy is enforced by the National Environment Agency.

In January 2003, Taiwan banned the free distribution of lightweight plastic bags. The ban prevented the owners of department stores, shopping malls, hypermarkets, convenience stores, fast food restaurants and regular restaurants from providing free plastic bags to their customers. Many stores have replaced plastic with recycled paper boxes.{{cite web|url=http://www.plastics.ca/_files/file.php?fileid=itemaYpTfnQNnF&filename=file_WHY_PLASTIC_SHOPPING_BAG_BANS_AND_TAXES_DON_T_WORK.doc|title=Why plastic shopping bag bans and taxes don't work|publisher=Canadian Plastics Industry Association|access-date=2 July 2012|format=doc|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924074057/http://www.plastics.ca/_files/file.php?fileid=itemaYpTfnQNnF&filename=file_WHY_PLASTIC_SHOPPING_BAG_BANS_AND_TAXES_DON_T_WORK.doc|url-status=dead}} In 2006, however, the administration decided to begin allowing free plastic bags to be offered by food service operators.{{cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2006/12/18/2003340889|title=Many support EPA ban on throw-away utensils|work=taipeitimes.com|date=18 December 2006|access-date=6 October 2015}} In February 2018, Taiwan announced plans to ban plastic bags in varying degrees, banned for in-store use by 2019, certain stores prohibited from offering bags by 2020, price increases starting 2025, then 2030 blanket ban of single-use plastic bags, as well as single-use utensils and containers.

Thailand banned all free single-use plastics in 2020, including plastic bags.{{Cite web |last=Mangmeechai |first=Aweewan |date=July 26, 2024 |title=Plastic bag ban policy in Thailand: A step into the 20-year roadmap for Plastic Waste Management |url=https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/NCRJ/article/view/241400#:~:text=In%20July%202019%2C%20the%20Cabinet,ban%20on%20free%20plastic%20bags. |access-date=July 26, 2020}}

In November 2013, the European Commission published a proposal aiming to reduce the consumption of lightweight (thickness below 50 microns) plastic carrier bags.{{cite web| url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-1017_en.htm| title=EUROPA – Press release – Environment: Commission proposes to reduce the use of plastic bags| publisher=European Commission| access-date=31 March 2014}} Under the proposal, EU member states can choose the most appropriate measures to discourage the use of plastic bags.

On 29 April 2015 the European Parliament passed Directive 2015/720, aiming to reduce plastic bag use by 50% by 2017 and 80% by 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/sustainable-dev/news/eu-to-halve-plastic-bag-use-by-2019/|title=EU to halve plastic bag use by 2019|author=Cécile Barbière|work=Euractiv|date=29 April 2015|access-date=30 July 2018}}{{cite EU directive |serial=2015/720 |year=2015 |date=29 April 2015 |description=amending Directive 94/62/EC as regards reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags |eurlextag=32015L0720 }}{{Update inline|date=January 2020}}

In 2003, Denmark introduced a tax on retailers giving out plastic bags. This encouraged stores to charge for plastic bags and pushed the use of reusable bags. It was thought that this saved about 66% of plastic and paper bags.{{cite web| url=http://www.reuseit.com/learn-more/top-facts/trends-from-around-the-world| title=Learn About Global Efforts to Reduce Waste from Disposable Products| publisher=Reuse it| access-date=3 July 2012| archive-date=8 February 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208060654/http://www.reuseit.com/learn-more/top-facts/trends-from-around-the-world| url-status=dead}} In 2004, a similar law was passed by the Inatsisartut in Greenland, which applied a recycling tax on plastic bags. By 2014 Denmark had the lowest plastic bag use in Europe, with 4 bags per person per year, compared to 466 in Portugal, Poland and Slovakia.[http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2014/04/17/3987712.htm "Europe votes to slash plastic bag use"], ABC News, 17 April 2014

The German Packaging Act was introduced on 1 January 2019, limiting the number of disposable plastic bags used for packaging. Companies planning to use these materials are now required to register with the government before distributing their products. If they do not comply, they can be fined up to €200,000 and banned from selling their products.{{Cite web |title=Germany: Changes to Germany's Packaging Laws – An Exporter's Guide |url=https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/germany-changes-germany-s-packaging-laws-exporter-s-guide |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=USDA Foreign Agricultural Service |date=16 August 2019}} The amendment also established recycling quotas that markets must meet to avoid being fined. In 2019, 36% of plastic bags used for packaging were required to be recycled, but this percentage was increased to 63% in 2022.{{Cite web |title=Environmental Law and Practice in Germany: Overview |url=http://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/4-503-0486?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)&firstPage=true |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=Practical Law }}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} An amendment to the Packaging Act was introduced on 9 February 2021, banning all single-use plastic, including shopping bags, from 1 January 2022.{{Cite web |title=Germany: Lightweight Plastic Bag Ban to Take Effect January 1, 2022 |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2021-02-25/germany-lightweight-plastic-bag-ban-to-take-effect-january-1-2022/ |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}}

Prior to the introduction of a charge on plastic bags, Greece produced roughly 4 billion single-use plastic bags every year.{{Cite journal |last=Peppa |first=Sofia |date=September 2016 |title=Thinking outside the plastic bag |url=https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=8893191&fileOId=8893192 |journal=International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics |via=Lund University Libraries}} Though the average person in Greece disposed of over 300 plastic bags annually, only 10% of these were recycled.{{Cite news |title=The European Union Hopes To Ban Single-Use Plastic By 2021 |work=NPR.org |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/11/25/670631122/the-european-union-hopes-to-ban-single-use-plastic-by-2021 |access-date=2022-05-30}} A plastic bag charge was introduced on 1 January 2018, initially of 4 cents per bag, then increased to 7 cents on 1 January 2019.{{cite web|url=http://www.chaniapost.eu/2017/10/01/plastic-bags-to-cost-3-cents-each-in-greece-after-january-1/|title=Plastic bags to cost 4 cents each in Greece after January 1 – CretePost.gr|website=chaniapost.eu|date=October 2017|access-date=28 November 2017}} Greece passed further legislation to discourage use of single-use plastics on 1 July 2021, including a ban on merchants from ordering and selling single-use plastic bags and serviceware.{{Cite web |title=Transposition of the Single-use Plastics Directive, and its Impact on the Economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina {{!}} United Nations Development Programme |url=https://www.undp.org/bosnia-herzegovina/publications/transposition-single-use-plastics-directive-and-its-impact-economy-bosnia-and-herzegovina |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=UNDP}}

Ireland introduced a €0.15 tax in March 2002. Levied on consumers at the point of sale, this led to 90% of consumers using long-life bags within a year. This tax geared to change the behavior of consumers while still allowing them to choose if they want to pay an extra fee for plastic bags. The tax was increased to €0.22 in 2007. The revenue is put into an Environment Fund, which is to be used for environmental projects; this is a major reason that consumers support this tax. A study was done to look at how consumers responded to the tax at checkout and 60% were neutral over the cost while 14% of respondent were "positive" to the extra charge and 26% responded negatively.

The Moldovan parliament passed legislation gradually beginning the phase-out of plastic bags from January 2019, with a full ban coming into force from 1 January 2021.

The Netherlands implemented a comprehensive ban on free plastic shopping bags on 1 January 2016. The ban has a small number of exemptions for unpacked food products which are exposed to possible contamination, such as fresh fruit. The target price for a plastic bag is €0.25.

A plastic recycling levy was introduced on 1 January 2018. Single-use plastic bags cost a minimum of {{currency|0.25|PLN}} (inclusive of VAT), however stores are able to charge a higher amount. The Polish government estimated that the levy would bring 1.1 billion złoty to the state budget in 2018, in addition to approx. 250 million złoty of VAT revenue raised on sales of the bags.{{Cite web |url=http://podatki.gazetaprawna.pl/artykuly/1092914,oplata-recyklingowa-2018-ceny-workow-foliowych.html |title=Opłata recyklingowa w 2018 roku. Fiskus zarobi ćwierć miliarda złotych na sprzedaży foliówek |last=Pokojska |first=Agnieszka |date=2017-12-19 |website=Gazeta Prawna |access-date=2018-09-28}}

Portugal has implemented a plastic bag tax amounting to 10 cents (€) on single-use carrier bags, which led to a reduction of 90% in their use. However, many retailers started selling thicker (reusable) plastic bags, which are not subject to the tax, for the same amount. Before the Portuguese government implemented this plastic bag tax, some supermarkets in Portugal had already implemented a 2 cent (€) fee on each plastic bag.{{cite journal |last1=Luís |first1=Idalina Perestrelo |last2=Spínola |first2=Hélder |title=The influence of a voluntary fee in the consumption of plastic bags on supermarkets from Madeira Island (Portugal) |journal=Journal of Environmental Planning and Management |date=October 2010 |volume=53 |issue=7 |pages=883–889 |doi=10.1080/09640568.2010.490054 |bibcode=2010JEPM...53..883L |s2cid=154911538 }} In Madeira Island where supermarkets implemented this bag fee, there was a 64% reduction in plastic bag consumption.

A law was introduced in 2006 (law 578/2006) – and was later modified in 2011 (law 1032/2011) – that put a mandatory tax on non-biodegradable plastic bags. A modification in 2011 reduced the tax on plastic bags and was regarded by some as a step backwards from environmental protection.{{cite web| url=http://legestart.ro/ecotaxa-pe-pungi-si-sacose-pentru-cumparaturi| title=Ecotaxa pe pungi şi sacoşe pentru cumpărături| date=2011-06-02}} Lightweight plastic bags were banned on 1 January 2019.

Serbia has a tax on manufacturers and importers of plastic bags and plans to introduce a ban on lightweight plastic bags and a charge on biodegradable bags in order to reduce bag use to under 90 per person by 2019.{{cite web|url=http://rs.n1info.com/a381027/English/NEWS/Serbia-to-ban-plastic-bags.html|title=Serbia set to ban plastic bags|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810010952/http://rs.n1info.com/a381027/English/NEWS/Serbia-to-ban-plastic-bags.html|url-status=dead}} Major supermarkets began charging 2 dinars per bag in 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.novosti.rs/vesti/beograd.74.html:738728-NAPLATA-PLASTICNE-AMBALAZE-Traze-dva-dinara-za-kesu|title=NAPLATA PLASTIČNE AMBALAŽE: Traže dva dinara za kesu|language=sr|publisher=Večernje novosti|date=17 July 2018|access-date=26 November 2018}}

Spain introduced a plastic bag charge on 1 July 2018. Catalonia has had a bag charge since April 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/30531/carrier-bag-charges-compulsory-from-july-this-year|title=Carrier bag charges compulsory from July this year|access-date=18 July 2018}}

{{See also|Environmental movement in Switzerland|Waste management in Switzerland}}

In 2016, the two largest chains of supermarkets in Switzerland, the Federation of Migros Cooperatives and Coop, announced that they will progressively stop to distribute free plastic bags (at the check-out). Both distributors announced that they will not make money with paid bags, but that profits from their sale will be invested in environmental projects.

Migros previously tested the measure in the canton of Vaud since 2013: they reduced the number of plastic bags distributed by ninety percent (and saved 100,000 francs per year). Migros will be the first to introduce the measure across the country, on 1 November 2016 (the bags will be made with recycled plastic and cost 0.05 Swiss francs each). Coop plans to introduce this in 2017.{{in lang|fr}} [http://www.rts.ch/info/economie/8036213-chez-coop-et-migros-les-sacs-jetables-vont-desormais-couter-5-centimes.html "Chez Coop et Migros, les sacs jetables vont désormais coûter 5 centimes"], Radio télévision suisse, 22 September 2016 (page visited on 25 September 2016).

The Climate Change Act 2008 served as the legislative framework for the regulation of plastic bags in the United Kingdom.

In May 2021 it was announced that the charge for single-use plastic bags in the United Kingdom would double from 5p to 10p from 21 May 2021.{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Siba |title=Single-use plastic bags to cost 10p at all shops in England from 21 May |url=https://news.sky.com/story/single-use-plastic-bags-will-cost-10p-at-all-shops-in-england-from-21-may-12298424 |date=2021-05-07 |access-date=2021-05-11|website=Sky News}}

In July 2022, it was reported that plastic bag usage among the main retailers in the UK had declined 97% since 2014, with a great share of the decline occurring after the 5p charge was introduced in 2015.{{cite web |last=Houlton |first=Cara |url=https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2022/07/29/supermarkets-plastic-bag-use/ |title=Retailers See 97% Fall In Plastic Bag Use Since 2015, Data Reveals |website=Grocery Gazette |date=29 July 2022 |access-date=28 October 2022}}

Wales introduced a legal minimum charge of 5 pence for almost all single use bags in October 2011. Paper and biodegradable bags are included in the charge as well as plastic bags, with only a few specific exemptions – such as for unpackaged food or medicine supplied on an NHS prescription.

VAT raised from the charge is collected by the government. Retailers are asked to pass the rest of the proceeds on to charities. July 2012 statistics released by the Welsh Government suggested that carrier bag use in Wales had reduced 96% since the introduction of the charge.{{cite news|url=http://www.bigfatbags.co.uk/bans-taxes-charges-plastic-bags/|title=List by country; 'bag charges, taxes and bans'. – Big Fat Bags|newspaper=Big Fat Bags|access-date=2016-11-15|archive-date=15 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115165402/http://www.bigfatbags.co.uk/bans-taxes-charges-plastic-bags/|url-status=dead}}

Northern Ireland introduced a 5 pence levy on almost all single use bags on 8 April 2013. The levy was extended to reusable carrier bags with a retail price of less than 20 pence from 19 January 2014 as data from a number of retailers indicated that reusable bag sales had increased by 800% since the introduction of the levy on single use bags.

The proceeds of the levy (£4.17m in 2013/14) are paid to the Department of the Environment and used to fund local environmental projects and enforce the levy. Official statistics for the Northern Ireland levy show that the number of single use bags dispensed fell from around 300 million in 2012/13 to 84.5 million in 2013/14 – a reduction of 72%.{{cite web|title=NI Bag Levy Annual Statistics 2013/14|url=http://www.doeni.gov.uk/carrier_bag_levy_-_annual_statistics_2013-14.pdf|website=Carrier bag Levy Northern Ireland Statistics|publisher=DOE NI|date=August 2014|access-date=4 September 2014|archive-date=30 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930204545/http://www.doeni.gov.uk/carrier_bag_levy_-_annual_statistics_2013-14.pdf|url-status=dead}}

A five pence minimum charge for single-use carrier bags came into force in Scotland on 20 October 2014. This was enacted as a statutory instrument under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, rather than a UK wide act.Introductory Text to The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014 [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2014/161/introduction/made]

The proceeds of the charge can be used by the retailers as they see fit, although retailers are encouraged to pledge to donate proceeds to "good causes".{{cite web|url=http://carrierbagchargescotland.org.uk/|access-date=2015-10-21|title=Home – Carrier Bag Charge Scotland}} The charge is not exclusive to plastic bags, and includes biodegradable bags, such as paper. Bags for unpackaged food, loose seeds, soil-contaminated goods, axes, knives or blades; drugs or medical appliances; small packaged uncooked fish, meat or poultry; aquatic animals; purchases made in aerodrome security restricted areas; or goods bought on board a ship, train, aircraft, coach or bus are exempt from the charge.{{cite law|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2014/161/schedule/paragraph/1/made|title=The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014|article=1|articletype=Schedule|access-date=2015-10-21|year=2014|number=161}}

England was the last country in the United Kingdom to adopt the 5 pence charge, with the levy taking effect on 5 October 2015.{{cite news |author= |url=http://www.itv.com/news/2015-09-16/5p-carrier-bag-fee-will-cost-families-1-5-billion-over-next-10-years/ |title=5p carrier bag fee 'will cost families £1.5 billion' over next 10 years |work=ITV News |date=16 September 2015 |access-date=6 October 2015}} Prior to the introduction of plastic bag regulations, various retailers participated in voluntary actions to reduce plastic bag consumption.{{cite journal |doi=10.1111/j.1470-6431.2009.00749.x |title=Plastic bag politics: Modifying consumer behaviour for sustainable development |journal=International Journal of Consumer Studies |volume=33 |issue=2 |pages=168–174 |year=2009 |last1=Ritch |first1=Elaine |last2=Brennan |first2=Carol |last3=MacLeod |first3=Calum }}

Unlike the rest of the UK, the English charge does not apply to paper bags or bags made from other natural materials. As with the other nations, VAT raised on sales will be collected by the Government. Retailers can choose how the money raised from bag sales is used. The Government publishes information yearly on the scheme, encouraging retailers to donate the proceeds to charities.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34346309 |title=The 5p plastic bag charge: All you need to know |work=BBC News |access-date=6 October 2015 |date=30 July 2016 |last=Howell |first=Dominic}}{{cite web |title=Carrier bags: why there's a charge |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/single-use-plastic-carrier-bags-why-were-introducing-the-charge/carrier-bags-why-theres-a-5p-charge |publisher=Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs |date=3 November 2015 |access-date=24 November 2015}}

In the first 6 months, 640 million plastic bags were used in seven major supermarkets in England, raising £29.2 million for good causes.{{cite news |title=Plastic bag use plummets in England since 5p charge |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36917174 |publisher=Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs |date=30 July 2016 |access-date=30 July 2016 |work=BBC News |last=Morelle |first=Rebecca |author-link=Rebecca Morelle }} England reported to have distributed 0.6 billion single-use bags during the first half year of the charge,{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carrier-bag-charge-summary-of-data-in-england-for-2015-to-2016/single-use-plastic-carrier-bags-charge-data-in-england-for-2015-to-2016|title=Single-use plastic carrier bags charge: data in England for 2015 to 2016 |website=Gov.uk |access-date=2016-11-15}} 7 billion fewer than were distributed in 2014.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrap.org.uk/2015_carrier_bag_figures|title=WRAP announces new carrier bag figures |website=WRAP UK|date=2015-07-22|access-date=2016-11-15}} A longitudinal evaluation of the English Plastic Bag Charge found that the charge had a positive effect upon all demographic groups, with a reduction in single-use plastic bags found among all income groups, all age groups, and both men and women.{{cite journal |last1=Thomas |first1=Gregory Owen |last2=Sautkina |first2=Elena |last3=Poortinga |first3=Wouter |last4=Wolstenholme |first4=Emily |last5=Whitmarsh |first5=Lorraine |title=The English Plastic Bag Charge Changed Behavior and Increased Support for Other Charges to Reduce Plastic Waste |journal=Frontiers in Psychology |date=26 February 2019 |volume=10 |pages=266 |doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00266 |pmid=30863332 |pmc=6399129 |doi-access=free }} In addition, the study found that public support for the plastic bag charge increased just one month after it was introduced, and people who increased their support for the bag charge were also more likely to increase their support for other policies aimed at reducing plastic waste, suggesting a 'spillover' effect for policy support.

Retailers with fewer than 250 employees were initially exempt from the charge.{{cite report |last=Sutherland |first=Nikki |others=Contributing author: Louise Smith |title=Plastic Bags – The single use carrier bag charge |url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/CBP-7241/ |date=2020-10-19 |publisher=House of Commons Library}} Opponents of this exemption argued that it would reduce the environmental impact of the charge.{{Cite web|url=http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environmental-audit-committee/news/plasticbagsgvtresponse/|title=Plastic bags: Government response – News from Parliament|website=UK Parliament|access-date=2016-11-16}} In response to this criticism, in the UK government announced plans to extend the charge to all retailers and double it to 10p, which was expected to come into effect in April 2021.DEFRA, [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/war-on-plastic-waste-stepped-up-with-extension-of-plastic-bag-charge War on plastic waste stepped up with extension of plastic bag charge], published 31 August 2020,accessed 29 September 2021 The 10p plastic bag charge went into effect for all businesses in England on 21 May 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carrier-bag-charge-summary-of-data-in-england/single-use-plastic-carrier-bags-charge-data-for-england-2021-to-2022#:~:text=From%2021%20May%202021%2C%20the,2021%20to%206%20April%202022. |title=Single-use plastic carrier bags charge: data for England 2021 to 2022 |website=gov.uk |date=29 July 2022 |access-date=28 October 2022}}

The Bahamian government banned single-use plastics (including light-weight plastic bags) in 2020, following a campaign by the Bahamas Plastic Movement (BPM), an environmental non-profit organization, which used citizen science-based research, public education and youth campaigns to lobby the government.{{cite journal|title=Spatial trends and drivers of marine debris accumulation on shorelines in South Eleuthera, the Bahamas using citizen science |pages=145–154 |journal=Marine Pollution Bulletin|volume=142 |doi=10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.036 |date=May 2019 |last1=Ambrose |first1=Kristal K. |last2=Box |first2=Carolynn |last3=Boxall |first3=James |last4=Brooks |first4=Annabelle |last5=Eriksen |first5=Marcus |last6=Fabres |first6=Joan |last7=Fylakis |first7=Georgios |last8=Walker |first8=Tony R. |pmid=31232287 |bibcode=2019MarPB.142..145A |s2cid=109287477 }}

In March 2007, the small town of Leaf Rapids, Manitoba, became the first community in North America to ban bags.{{cite news|title=Plastic bags officially banned in Manitoba town|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/plastic-bags-officially-banned-in-manitoba-town-1.235770|access-date=25 February 2016|publisher=Bell Media|date=2 April 2007}}

The Toronto City Council voted on 6 June 2012, to ban plastic bags effective 1 January 2013, and to scrap the city's five-cent bag fee starting 1 July 2012.{{cite news| url=http://www.torontosun.com/2012/06/06/toronto-bans-plastic-bags-by-the-start-of-2013| title=Toronto bans plastic bags by the start of 2013| date=6 June 2012| newspaper=The Toronto Sun| access-date=8 November 2012}} Industry groups have convinced city officials to include a grace period between 1 January 2013, and 30 June 2013, when no fines, only warnings, can be issued.{{cite news| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/cityhallpolitics/article/1284505| title=Toronto plastic bag ban: Bylaw ready to go for a Jan. 1 soft launch| date=7 November 2012| newspaper=The Toronto Star| access-date=8 November 2012}} The bag ban and five cent fee (six cents with HST) have both been overturned as of 28 November 2012 and it's up to individual retailers if they want to charge for plastic bags.{{cite web|url=http://www.cp24.com/news/bag-ban-overturned-shopping-bylaw-unchanged-1.1057255|title=Bag ban overturned, shopping bylaw unchanged|work=CP24|access-date=6 October 2015|date=2012-11-28}} Most stores, with the exception of a few national retailers do not charge.

The Canadian government planned to ban single-use plastics in 2021, including plastic straws, cotton swabs, stirrers, plates, cutlery, and balloon sticks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/government-to-ban-single-use-plastics-as-early-as-2021-source-1.5168386|title=Government to ban single-use plastics as early as 2021|last=Hannah|first=Thibedeau|date=9 June 2019|website=CBC News|access-date=10 June 2019}} Implementation of the ban was postponed to 20 December 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite journal |last1=Molloy |first1=Shen |last2=Medeiros |first2=Andrew S. |last3=Walker |first3=Tony R. |last4=Saunders |first4=Sarah J. |date=January 2022 |title=Public Perceptions of Legislative Action to Reduce Plastic Pollution: A Case Study of Atlantic Canada |journal=Sustainability |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=1852 |doi=10.3390/su14031852 |issn=2071-1050|doi-access=free |bibcode=2022Sust...14.1852M }}

A few municipalities in Guatemala have banned plastic bags, including San Pedro La Laguna, Acatenango, Villa Canales, San Miguel Petapa and Totonicapán.{{cite web|url=https://globalpressjournal.com/americas/guatemala/to-help-conserve-lake-atitlan-town-bans-plastic-bags/|title=To Help Conserve Lake Atitlán, Town Bans Plastic Bags|date=4 May 2017|access-date=22 March 2018}}{{cite news|url=http://www.soy502.com/articulo/acatenango-prohibe-uso-venta-distribucion-bolsas-plasticas-50172|title=Acatenango prohíbe el uso de bolsas plásticas, pajillas y duroport|access-date=2018-06-30|language=es}}{{cite news|url=https://elperiodico.com.gt/nacion/2018/06/14/municipalidad-de-villa-canales-prohibe-el-uso-de-bolsas-plasticas-y-otros-articulos-no-reusables/|title=Municipalidad de Villa Canales prohíbe el uso de bolsas plásticas y otros artículos no reusables|work=elPeriodico|access-date=2018-06-30}}{{cite news|url=https://www.prensalibre.com/ciudades/guatemala/san-miguel-petapa-se-une-a-la-prohibicion-de-bolsas-plasticas|title=San Miguel Petapa se une a la prohibición de bolsas plásticas|work=Prensa Libre|access-date=2018-06-30}}{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@PrensaComunitar/totonicap%C3%A1n-dice-no-al-uso-del-pl%C3%A1stico-75b1ca5654f1|title=Totonicapán dice NO al uso del plástico|last=KM169|first=Prensa Comunitaria|date=2018-06-05|website=Prensa Comunitaria KM169|access-date=2018-06-30}}

On 17 September 2018, the Jamaican Cabinet announced a total ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution and use of single-use plastic bags, effective 1 January 2019. The policy came in response to problems of improper disposal leading to drain clogging and expensive clean-up efforts.{{Cite journal |last=Clayton |first=C. Andrea Bruce |date=25 October 2021 |title=Building Collective Ownership of Single-Use Plastic Waste in Youth Communities: A Jamaican Case Study |journal=Social Sciences |volume=10 |issue=11 |pages=3 |doi=10.3390/socsci10110412 |doi-access=free }} They phased single use plastic bags in waves, the most recent of which took effect 1 January 2021.{{Cite web |date=2021-01-25 |title=Jamaica: plastics ban creates new opportunities |url=http://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/jamaica-plastics-ban-creates-new-opportunities |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=UNEP}}

Plastic bags are banned in the following states: Baja California, Mexico City, Colima, Durango, Hidalgo, Michoacán, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, Sonora, Tabasco, Veracruz, Yucatán and Zacatecas.

Panama's Assembly has passed legislation banning plastic bags.{{cite web|url=http://panamaadvisoryinternationalgroup.com/blog/news-from-panama/plastic-bags-banned-panama/|title=Plastic Bags Banned in Panama – THE PANAMA PERSPECTIVE|date=16 August 2017|access-date=27 November 2017}} The law was passed in 2018 and came into force on 20 July 2019, while wholesalers had until January 2020 to phase out their existing stock.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-panama-plastic-idUSKCN1UF0M5|title=Panama becomes first Central American nation to ban plastic bags|work=Reuters|first=Elida|last=Moreno|date=20 July 2019|access-date=4 April 2021}}

[[File:Plastic bag legislation in the United States.svg|thumb|Phase out of lightweight plastic bags in the United States (laws in GU, ME, NY, VT passed but not in effect yet not shown on map)

{{legend|#48ab06|Plastic bags banned}}

{{legend|#d4af13|A charge on some plastic bags}}

{{legend|#820782|Partial charge or ban (county or municipality level)}}]]

{{main|Plastic bag bans in the United States}}

There is no national plastic bag fee or ban currently in effect in the United States. However, the states of California,{{cite news|last1=Luna|first1=Taryn|title=Californians say farewell to the plastic bag|url=http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article113898813.html|access-date=14 November 2016|work=The Sacramento Bee|date=10 November 2016}} Connecticut (July 2021), Delaware (2021), Hawaii (de facto), Maine (January 2021),{{cite news |title=Maine halts plastic bag ban as part of plan to mitigate coronavirus spread |url=https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/maine-halts-plastic-bag-ban-part-plan-mitigate-coronavirus-spread |access-date=14 April 2020|publisher=Plastics News |date=18 March 2020}} New Jersey (May 2022),{{cite web |last1=Rosengren |first1=Cole |title=New Jersey governor signs sweeping bill limiting carryout bags, polystyrene foam and straws |url=https://www.wastedive.com/news/new-jersey-plastic-paper-bag-polystyrene-foam-straws/585859/ |website=Waste Dive |access-date=9 November 2020 |date=November 4, 2020}} New York,{{cite news |last1=Nace April |first1=Trevor |title=New York Officially Bans Plastic Bags |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2019/04/23/new-york-officially-bans-plastic-bags/ |access-date=12 May 2019 |journal=Forbes |date=23 April 2019}} Oregon, Vermont (July 2020){{cite magazine|title=Vermont adopts the most comprehensive plastics ban in U.S.|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/06/vermont-adopts-most-comprehensive-single-use-plastics-ban/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620130912/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/06/vermont-adopts-most-comprehensive-single-use-plastics-ban/|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 June 2019|magazine=National Geographic|access-date=3 July 2019|date=18 June 2019}} and Washington (2021){{cite web|title=WaBagBan |url=https://www.krem.com/article/news/politics/inslee-signs-washington-plastic-bag-ban/293-fae37466-e047-46a9-a648-445f1ec24306|author=KREM Staff |website=KREM |date=25 March 2020 |access-date=16 April 2020}} and the territories of American Samoa, Guam (2021), Northern Mariana Islands, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico{{cite journal|last1=Coto|first1=Danica|title=Puerto Rico to ban use of plastic bags through executive order after legislators opposed bill|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2015/10/30/puerto-rico-to-ban-plastic-bags-through-executive-order|journal=U.S. News & World Report|access-date=7 January 2016|date=30 October 2015}} have banned disposable bags. By September 2018, about 350 counties and municipalities had enacted ordinances either imposing a fee on plastic bags or banning them outright,{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2018/09/20/heres-a-list-of-every-city-in-the-us-to-ban-plastic-bags-will-your-city-be-next/|title=Here's A List Of Every City In The US To Ban Plastic Bags, Will Your City Be Next?|first=Trevor|last=Nace|website=Forbes}} including all counties in Hawaii.{{cite web|last=Llanos|first=Miguel|title=Hawaii first state to ban plastic bags at checkout |url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/05/16/11720480-hawaii-first-state-to-ban-plastic-bags-at-checkout?lite |publisher=NBC News |access-date=23 April 2013 |date=16 May 2012}} Other attempts at banning plastic shopping bags statewide (for example in Massachusetts, though as of August 2019, 122 cities and towns in the state have done so){{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/08/19/massachusetts-plastic-bag-ban-now-tied-beacon-hill/Yc6mWZY5SyDgRz4Csnm5LJ/story.html|title=Massachusetts plastic bag ban is now tied up in Beacon Hill |website=BostonGlobe.com}}{{Cite web|url=http://massgreen.org/plastic-bag-legislation.html|title=Plastic Bag Legislation|website=MassGreen.Org}}) have not succeeded mainly due to plastic industry lobbying.{{cite news|title=This time, pass California ban on plastic bags: Editorial|url=http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_23056218/this-time-pass-california-ban-plastic-bags-editorial?source=rss|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|access-date=23 April 2013|date=18 April 2013}} {{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} A few jurisdictions have chosen to implement a fee-only approach to bag reduction such as Connecticut, Washington, D.C. and adjacent Montgomery County, Maryland.{{cite news|last=Verespej|first=Nike|title=Massachusetts town bans plastic bags|url=http://www.wasterecyclingnews.com/article/20121116/NEWS03/121119931/massachusetts-town-bans-plastic-bags|access-date=29 November 2012|newspaper=Waste & Recycling News|date=16 November 2012}} {{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Some US states, such as Florida and Arizona, have passed laws preventing local municipalities from passing their own bans.{{cite news|last1=Frazier|first1=Ian|title=The Bag Bill|url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/05/02/saving-america-from-plastic-bags|access-date=29 April 2016|magazine=The New Yorker}}

The California Senate passed Senate Bill 270 in 2014 that banned the free single-use plastic bags available at grocery stores. This ban specified that plastic bags available at grocery stores must be 2.25 millimeters thick, contain at least 40% recycled materials, and be recyclable within California.{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2024 |title=SB 1053: Solid waste: Reusable grocery bags: Standards: Plastic film prohibition. |url=https://digitaldemocracy.calmatters.org/bills/ca_202320240sb1053 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |website=CalMatters.org}} This bill was passed with timeframes for progressively tighter restrictions. Violations are punishable by fines.{{Cite web |last=Jacobson |first=Eva |title=CALIFORNIA'S LAW BANNING PLASTIC BAGS |url=https://www.cga.ct.gov/2015/rpt/2015-R-0022.htm#:~:text=CALIFORNIA%27S%20LAW%20BANNING%20PLASTIC%20BAGS&text=Provide%20a%20summary%20of%20California,carryout%20bags%20from%20retail%20stores.&text=The%20law%20prohibits%20stores%20from,plastic%20carryout%20bags%20to%20customers |access-date=July 26, 2024}} In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill banning all plastic bags statewide from 2026.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/23/california-plastic-bag-ban |work=The Guardian |date=23 September 2024 |title=California's Gavin Newsom signs law banning all plastic bags at grocery stores |access-date=29 September 2024}}

{{main|Plastic bag bans in Australia}}{{Update section|date=February 2024|reason=Lightweight plastic bags are still available legally in some retailers in Australia}}

Although there is no nationwide ban on lightweight bags, they are banned in all states and territories. Coles Bay, Tasmania was the first location in Australia to ban lightweight plastic bags.{{cite news| url=http://www.mg.co.za/article/2003-04-29-tasmania-carries-ecofight-bans-plastic-bags| title=Tasmania carries eco-fight, bans plastic bags| date=29 April 2003| newspaper= Mail & Guardian| access-date=3 July 2012}} The introduction of the "Zero Waste" program in South Australia led to its lightweight bag ban in October 2008. It is estimated that 400 million bags are saved each year.{{cite web|url=http://www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/plastic|title=Plastic Bag Ban|date=28 February 2011|publisher=Zero Waste South Australia|access-date=2 July 2012}} {{Dead link|date=May 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Western Australia and Queensland banned them in July 2018 and Victoria introduced a ban in November 2019. Bans in the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania allow lightweight bags that are biodegradable.{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2024 |title=BAG BANS ACROSS AUSTRALIA |url=https://bagban.com.au/#nt |website=bagban.com.au}}

In Australia, 6 billion HDPE bags were used in 2002. Usage reduced to 5.6 billion in 2004, and 3.9 billion in 2007.

After the two biggest supermarket chains in Australia banned single-use plastic grocery bags, the consumption of plastic bags in Australia dropped by 80% in three months.{{cite news |last1=Lorraine Chow |first1=Lorraine |title=Australia Cuts 80% of Plastic Bag Use in 3 Short Months |url=https://www.ecowatch.com/australia-plastic-bag-ban-2622280343.html |access-date=9 December 2018 |agency=Ecowatch |date=3 December 2018}}

In 2018, the Labour government pledged to phase out single-use plastic bags within a year's time. New Zealand is one of the highest producers of urban waste in the developed world, per capita, according to OECD data. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage made the announcement on 10 August 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/363798/government-pledges-mandatory-phase-out-of-plastic-bags|title=Government pledges mandatory phase-out of plastic bags|access-date=10 August 2018|date=2018-08-09}} On 18 December 2018, the Labour Government announced that all plastic shopping bags, including biodegradable, compostable, and oxy-gradable bags, that have handles with a thickness of less than 70 microns, will be banned from 1 July 2019. Retailers who do not comply could face fines of up to NZD$100,000 (£51,000).{{cite news |last1=Lyons |first1=Kate |title=Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will ban plastic bags |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/10/jacinda-ardern-says-new-zealand-will-ban-plastic-bags |work=The Guardian |date=10 August 2018 }}

Since 1 October 2022, PVC food trays, polystyrene takeaway and drink packaging, expanded polystyrene food and drink packaging, plastic with pro-degradent additives, plastic drink stirrers and plastic stemmed cotton buds have been banned. On 1 July 2023, plastic produce bags; plastic plates, bowls and cutlery; plastic straws (except for medical reasons) and plastic produce labels were banned.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-01 |title=Phasing out hard-to-recycle and single-use plastics |url=https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/waste/plastic-phase-out/ |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=Ministry for the Environment}}

In 2012, the Buenos Aires city government allowed supermarkets to charge for plastic bags in order to discourage their use, which is said to have reduced their use by 50%.{{cite web|title=El gobierno porteño anunció que desde 2017 se prohibirán bolsas plásticas en los súper|url=http://www.telam.com.ar/notas/201609/161475-bolsas-plasticas-supermercados-ciudad-gobierno-porteno.html|access-date=22 December 2016}} In 2016 the city announced a full ban on the distribution of plastic bags in supermarkets and hypermarkets, commencing 1 January 2017.{{cite web|title=Adiós a un clásico: desde 2017, no habrá más bolsas de plástico en los súper porteños|url=http://www.clarin.com/ciudades/Adios-clasico-bolsas-plastico-portenos_0_1643235849.html|website=Clarin|date=3 September 2016 |access-date=22 December 2016}}{{cite web|title=Polémica por la prohibición de bolsas en los comercios porteños|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1934273-polemica-por-la-prohibicion-de-bolsas-en-los-comercios-portenos|website=La Nacion|access-date=22 December 2016|date=2016-09-03|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215173820/https://www.lanacion.com.ar/1934273-polemica-por-la-prohibicion-de-bolsas-en-los-comercios-portenos|url-status=dead}}

In 2009 the Governor of Buenos Aires Province, Daniel Scioli, approved Law 13868,{{cite web|title=Ley 13868 PBA|url=http://www.gob.gba.gov.ar/legislacion/legislacion/l-13868.html|access-date=22 December 2016}} which mandated that by the end of that year, all non-biodegradable plastic bags should be phased out in favour of degradable materials.{{cite web|title=Prohibición del uso de bolsas plasticas en supermercados, hipermercados y minimercados de la Provincia de Buenos Aires.|url=http://www.cedeapsa.com.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22:ley-13868-prohibicion-del-uso-de-bolsas-plasticas-en-supemercados-autoservicios-almacenes-y-comercios-en-general-cambios-necesarios-para-cuidar-el-medio-ambiente&catid=2:noticias&Itemid=9|access-date=22 December 2016}}{{cite web|title=SE REGLAMENTÓ LA LEY DE SUSTITUCIÓN DE BOLSAS PLÁSTICAS|url=http://www.lacorrienteavanza.com.ar/ative/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=879:se-reglamento-la-ley-de-sustitucion-de-bolsas-plasticas&catid=20&Itemid=59|access-date=22 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223131601/http://www.lacorrienteavanza.com.ar/ative/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=879:se-reglamento-la-ley-de-sustitucion-de-bolsas-plasticas&catid=20&Itemid=59|archive-date=23 December 2016|url-status=dead}}

Other provinces like Neuquén, Chubut, Río Negro and cities like Rosario, Villa Gesell or Bariloche had already banned the distribution of plastic bags in supermarkets as well.

In May 2018, the House of Representatives voted for a gradual phaseout of plastic bags from retailers nationwide.{{cite news |last1=Bonnefoy |first1=Pascale |title=Chile Bans Plastic Bags at Retail Businesses |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/01/world/americas/chile-plastic-bags-ban.html |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=4 June 2018 |date=1 June 2018}}{{cite web |title=Chile adopts new law to ban the use of plastic bags |url=http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/chile-adopts-new-law-to-ban-the-use-of-plastic-bags |website=ClimateActionProgramme.org |access-date=4 June 2018 }}{{cite web |last1=Chow |first1=Lorraine |title=Chile to Become First Country in the Americas to Ban Plastic Bags |url=https://www.ecowatch.com/chile-plastic-ban-2573881713.html |website=EcoWatch |access-date=4 June 2018 |date=31 May 2018}}{{cite web |title=Chile set to become first American country to ban plastic bags – The Santiago Times |url=http://santiagotimes.cl/2018/05/31/chile-set-to-become-first-american-country-to-ban-plastic-bags/ |website=santiagotimes.cl |access-date=4 June 2018}} In August 2018, the legislation was approved by Congress and the President,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-45066268|title=Chile bans supermarket plastic bags|date=3 August 2018 |access-date=9 August 2018|work=BBC News}} making Chile the first Latin American country to ban plastic bags. Beginning on 3 August 2018, each purchase could be accompanied by no more than two plastic bags. Under the legislation, six months later, supermarkets and large retail businesses were not permitted to provide plastic bags at all, and on 3 August 2020 the total ban also began to apply to small businesses. Environment minister Carolina Schmidt said it is believed that the law eliminated the use of billions of plastic bags.{{Cite web|last=El Tiempo|first=Casa Editorial|date=3 August 2020|title=El primer país de Latinoamérica que se despide de las bolsas plásticas|url=https://www.eltiempo.com/vida/medio-ambiente/este-el-primer-pais-de-latinoamerica-que-se-despide-de-las-bolsas-plasticas-525348|access-date=2020-08-28|website=El Tiempo|language=es}}

Before the nationwide ban, similar rules existed regionally. As of 2017, some 80 municipalities already restricted plastic bag distribution, while some coastal and lakeside areas had banned plastic bags altogether.{{cite web|title=Chile to ban plastic bags in coastal regions|url=https://phys.org/news/2017-10-chile-plastic-bags-coastal-regions.html|access-date=27 November 2017}}

As of 2015, Colombia planned to reduce the use of plastic bags by 80% by the year 2020 and to eliminate their use by the year 2025.{{cite news|url=http://www.elespectador.com/noticias/politica/colombia-apunta-eliminacion-completa-del-uso-de-bolsas-articulo-601904|title=Colombia apunta a la eliminación completa del uso de bolsas plásticas en 2025|newspaper=Elespectador.com |date=2015-11-27 |last1=Espectador |first1=El }} On 29 April 2016, the Ministry of Environment passed a resolution banning plastic bags under 30 cm by 30 cm.{{cite web|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/economia/sectores/desapareceran-las-bolsas-plasticas-en-colombia/16562134|title=Las bolsas plásticas pequeñas tienen los días contados en Colombia – Sectores – El Tiempo|first=Casa Editorial El|last=Tiempo|date=2016-04-12}}

From 1 July 2017, the Colombian Government applies a tax of 20 pesos per plastic bag, with a planned annual increase of 10 pesos per bag until 2020.

A challenge has been the single-use plastic that accompanies grocery and restaurant delivery; these services were in high demand during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.{{Cite web|last=Tiempo|first=Casa Editorial El|date=2020-08-01|title=Plástico de un solo uso: protege del virus pero amenaza al planeta|url=https://www.eltiempo.com/vida/medio-ambiente/plasticos-incrementan-en-cuarentena-protege-del-virus-pero-amenaza-al-planeta-524906|access-date=2020-08-28|website=El Tiempo|language=es}}

In 2018, the Uruguayan Parliament approved the law N^o19655 that banned the production, importation and commercialization of all non-biodegradable single-use plastic bags throughout the country. Since 1 July 2019 only biodegradable bags are allowed for commercial use, with a tax of 4 pesos per bag. According to government agencies, just days after the law was approved, the use of plastic bags dropped by 80%, marking a huge success for the regulation.{{Cite web|url=http://www.lr21.com.uy/comunidad/1398821-bajo-80-el-uso-de-bolsas-plasticas-desde-el-pasado-1o-de-abril|title=Bajó 80% el uso de bolsas plásticas desde el pasado 1^o de abril|date=2019-04-25|website=LARED21|language=es|access-date=2019-07-01}}

• Biodegradable bag
• Disposable food packaging bans and charges
• Phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles
• Phase-out of incandescent light bulbs
• Phase-out of polystyrene foam
• Sustainability
• Waste management
• Reusable shopping bag

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist|30em|refs=

{{cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2019/04/09/711181385/are-plastic-bag-bans-garbage | title=Are Plastic Bag Bans Garbage? | last=Rosalsky | first=Greg | publisher=NPR.org | date=April 9, 2019 | access-date=2019-04-09 }}

{{ cite journal | last=Taylor | first=Rebecca | date=January 4, 2019 | title=Bag leakage: The effect of disposable carryout bag regulations on unregulated bags | journal=Journal of Environmental Economics and Management | volume=93 | pages=254–271 | doi=10.1016/j.jeem.2019.01.001 | doi-access=free | bibcode=2019JEEM...93..254T }}

}}

• {{Skeptoid | id=4711 | number=711 | date=21 January 2020 | title=The Trashy Secret of Plastic Bag Bans: Science decides the question of whether plastic bag bans help or hurt the environment| access-date=16 May 2022}}

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Category:Plastics and the environment

Category:Shopping bags

Lightweight plastic bags

Category:Waste minimisation