MAY 30, 2018

Congress approves bill to prohibit distribution of plastic bags in stores

Legislators approved the bill sponsored by the Environment Ministry that prohibits the distribution of plastic bags in retail outlets nationwide. This is the first bill approved during President Sebastián Piñera’s administration.

Legislators unanimously approved the bill sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment to prohibit the distribution of plastic bags nationwide.

“It is a source of pride for Chile to be a leader in combatting plastics pollution. We are happy to deliver on a promise that President Sebastián Piñera made during his campaign to prohibit the distribution of plastic bags in retail outlets,” said Minister Marcela Cubillos.

This initiative, which was part of the government’s program and was reaffirmed on Earth Day, is the first bill approved during President Sebastián Piñera’s administration.

Minister Marcela Cubillos thanked all of the legislators who have taken up this cause over the years and promoted the legislation. “I want to recognize all of the legislators who have supported this cause and the municipalities that have pioneered this measure. This administration believes that environmental protection should be a government policy,” the minister said.

This initiative – which has broad public backing and is supported by all political parties – echoes the first principle of the REP Law which seeks to decrease the generation of wastes that seriously harm the environment, particularly our oceans.

The bill establishes a six-month adjustment period for large stores and a period of two years for small businesses, neighborhood shops and outdoor markets.

Until the law comes into effect, shops can distribute a maximum of two plastic bags per client for each purchase. Oversight of this procedure will be conducted by municipalities and includes a fine that will benefit municipalities of 5 Monthly Tax Units, which will be issued by the corresponding Local Police Court.

For more information on the law, visit the Ministry of Environment website, which contains details about the initiative chaobolsasplasticas.cl.