The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) yesterday officially launched its campaign to dissuade people from using plastic bags and disposable plastic utensils, saying the policy would eventually win over the hearts of the public.
From July 1, publicly operated grocery stores, restaurants at government buildings, public and private educational establishments and military organizations will be prohibited from offering free plastic bags and eating utensils.
Violators would pay a fine ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000, according to Article 51 the Waste Disposal Act, said Chen Hsiung-wen (陳雄文), director-general of the EPA's Bureau of Solid Waste Management.
Some places, such as Kaohsiung City, have been promoting the scheme since April 1.
But the policy has drawn criticism from the plastics industry, which says 100,000 families involved in the industry would be adversely affected.
EPA Director-General Hau Lung-bin (
"The policy might cause people inconvenience, but it will definitely have a positive effect on the environment," he said yesterday at a press conference timed to coincided with Earth Day.
The EPA is also introducing regulations on the thickness of plastic bags, taking into account the public's habit of discarding bags made of the thinnest plastic.
Previously, the EPA intended to eliminate plastic bags with a thickness of less than 0.1mm, but encountered opposition from the bag manufacturers, who said it would cost too much to buy new machinery.
"After communicating with people from the industry at six public hearings, the thickness, 0.06mm, became acceptable," Chen said.
He added most manufacturers would be spared the cost of investing in new machinery as most machines could already produce plastic bags with thicknesses up to 0.07mm.
Hau said the second phase of the policy would begin on Jan. 1 next year. The ban will then include department stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and almost every type of retailer, except street vendors.
"During the intervening period, the EPA will come up with sound strategies to encourage people to carry personal utensils," Hau said.
According to a survey by Gallup Market Consulting Corp conducted in mid-April, about 80 percent of 1,081 residents polled by phone said they would only start using reusable shopping bags after the new policy becomes effective. Of the interviewees, 16.72 percent said they would be willing to pay NT$1 for shopping bags, and 12.72 percent said NT$4 was acceptable.
About 60 percent said they would be willing to use reusable utensils at restaurants, but 54 percent said they would not carry dinning utensils around with them.
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