Government instructs Congress to prohibit plastic bag use nationwide
On Tuesday, President Sebastián Piñera announced that he had sent a directive to Congress to prohibit the use of plastic bags in all stores, not just those in coastal areas.
Chileans use 3.4 million plastic bags each year, which is equivalent to 200 bags per person. The bags pollute the coastline, causing significant environmental harm.
In order to strengthen laws the use of plastic bags, the government sent a replacement directive to Congress to prohibit the use of these bags throughout the country, rather than solely in coastal areas.
President Piñera made the announcement on Facebook Live, saying that “plastic bags are seriously damaging our environment.” He also called on his audience to move away from the disposable culture and embrace recycling.
The goal of the initiative is to prevent the use of plastic bags made of polymers derived from petroleum (polyethylene and polypropylene). The new policy, which would allow the use of bags made of vegetable fibers such as cotton and jute, is expected to go into effect one year after publication in the Official Gazette. Small businesses will have two years to implement the measure. In the meantime, stores may provide up to two plastic bags per client per purchase.
“Chile must enact a law to prohibit plastic bags now,” said Environment Minister of Marcela Cubillos. “We have to address the environmental harm that has been done to the country, and not only in coastal areas.” She added that “at least 90% of the bags end up in landfills, disposal sites or other locations.”
To date, more than 55 municipalities have established similar regulations restricting the use of plastic bags or requiring their substitution with bags made of different materials.