Japan to ban free plastic bags at stores

TOKYO, June 4 (MENA) - Japan plans to make it mandatory to charge for plastic shopping bags at supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores and department stores as the country combats marine pollution from plastic waste, the Japan Times newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Environment Minister Yoshiaki Harada said his ministry plans to introduce a new law banning the practice of providing single-use plastic bags for free, while leaving the price of a plastic bag up to retailers.

“The proportion of plastic bags among plastic waste is not big, but charging would be symbolic” of Japan’s efforts to reduce such waste, said Harada.

“We should do it in time for the Tokyo Olympics,” Harada added.

Harada said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told him the measure is following the right direction and urged him to “thoroughly listen to the opinions of the people.”

Japan produces the largest amount of plastic waste per capita after the United States and has lagged behind other countries in curbing the use of plastics.

The ministry expects retailers to charge between several yen to ¥10 per bag. Harada said the price should be effective in reining in the use of plastic bags.

The ministry also intends to request that retailers put the revenue toward environmental measures including afforestation and spreading awareness about marine pollution.