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Palau starts ban on single-use plastic bags

Countries like Palau are taking a step on its measures to reduce plastic wastes.

Its ban on importation and distribution of plastic bags for commercial purposes has taken effect on Nov. 8.

The Plastic Bag Use Reduction Act, in a report by Palau’s Island Times, only prohibits single-use plastic bags and does not include biodegradable or compostable ones.

Now, retail establishments must provide biodegradable or compostable plastic bags to their customers.

The Solid Waste Management Office, the Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB), the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism (MNRET), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) gave out free eco-bags at the major grocery and department stores in Koror, the capital, during the first day of implementation.

The law, which was signed by President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. on Nov. 8, 2017, imposes a $1,000 (Dh3,672.80) fine for each day for those who will be found selling or giving out single-use plastic bags. As for those importing non-biodegradable plastic bags, they will be fined $1,000 per shipment.

Staff Report

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