illustrative photo: ns-plus.com.ua
As of 10 December, a law banning the use of disposable plastic bags is coming into force in Ukraine. In the first stage, the ban will apply to the distribution of thin and ultra-thin plastic bags in supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, etc. This is stated in the law «On restrictions on the circulation of plastic bags in Ukraine.»
According to the law, plastic bags as a means of packaging goods will not disappear immediately after the restriction comes into force. In stores, buyers can still use ultra-thin plastic bags (wall thickness up to 15 micrometers, as for picking vegetables and fruits.) til the beginning of March. The law also allows the use of biodegradable or environmentally friendly bags made from potato or corn starch.
Read also: Package in a package. What is needed for Lviv supermarkets to stop selling plastic bags
Initially, the restriction will apply to packages with a wall thickness of more than 50 micrometers. Usually, buyers use them to carry the goods they bought (they maintain weight more than 7 kg). And as early as 10 March, 2022, a ban will come into force on the use in trade of thin (wall thickness 15-50 micrometers), oxo-decomposable (containing additives that make it break down faster into microplastic) and ultra-thin plastic bags. They will be available for purchase only for personal use at prices set by the government.
Also from March 2022, the use of biodegradable bags will be allowed in trade.
Ultra-thin packages will also be available, but only as production packaging and only a certain size (width up to 22.5 cm, depth – up to 34.5 cm, length – up to 45 cm with handles). Furthermore, they can only be used as primary packaging to transport fish, meat, bulk products, and ice.
From 1 January, 2023, only biodegradable packages will remain in Ukraine. All other plastic bags will be prohibited. If starting from 10 December, 2021 the State Food and Consumer Service records free distribution of plastic bags in trade establishments, these businesses will be fined from 1.7 thousand UAH ($62) to 3.4 thousand UAH ($126), and in case of repeated violation – up to 8.5 thousand UAH ($315).
Read also: The Verkhovna Rada has banned the distribution of plastic bags. What are the fines for this
After March 10, 2022, the amount of the fine for paid and unpaid distribution of thin, ultra-thin or oxo-decomposable plastic bags will be from UAH 8.5 thousand to UAH 17 thousand ($315 – $630), in case of repeated violation – from UAH 17 thousand to UAH 34 thousand ($630 – $1260). The State Food and Consumer Service will monitor compliance with the «anti-plastic» law through scheduled and unscheduled inspections of shops, cafes, restaurants and markets.
We will add that last year, the Verkhovna Rada supported in the first reading a bill aimed at reducing the number of plastic bags in circulation. 365 deputies voted in favor of the corresponding bill №2051. The initiator of the bill, non-partisan deputy Dmytro Shpenov reminded that the European Parliament banned the civil circulation of certain plastic products 24 October 24, 2018,. The reason was the threat of environmental catastrophe.
Translated by Vitalii Holich
You can read a Ukrainian language version of this story here.
Follow Lviv Now on Facebook and Instagram. To receive our weekly email digest of stories, please follow us on Substack.
