UPDATE: Montenegro has just announced a new regulation imposing an urgent fee of €0.05 on retailers for light plastic bags exceeding 50 microns in thickness. This significant move aims to strengthen the country’s management system for plastic waste and reduce environmental impact.
The regulation, introduced by the Ministry of Ecology, comes into effect immediately, requiring sellers to report their monthly plastic bag sales to the Agency for Environmental Protection by the 5th of each month. The fee aims to incentivize retailers to shift towards more sustainable alternatives while also combating plastic pollution.
According to Damjan Ćulafić, head of the Ministry, this regulation follows a successful ban on plastic bags between 15 and 50 microns, which took effect on October 20, 2022. The previous ban has reportedly led to a remarkable 72% reduction in plastic bags found in landfills, with sales in retail chains dropping by half.
“These measures are yielding encouraging results,” stated Ćulafić. He emphasized the importance of ongoing campaigns to raise public awareness about the dangers of single-use plastics. As part of these initiatives, the Ministry has distributed 10,000 biodegradable bags to encourage the public to transition to eco-friendly options.
Retailers previously paid a fee of €0.03 for bags thicker than 50 microns, with funds directed to the Environmental Protection Fund. This new fee structure is expected to generate additional resources for educational campaigns focused on reducing plastic waste.
“We are making significant progress in tackling the long-standing issue of plastic waste,” Ćulafić added. He expressed optimism over the increasing public consciousness regarding plastic use, noting a rise in the adoption of reusable bags, especially among younger generations.
As Montenegro implements this comprehensive policy to diminish plastic bag usage, the government is committed to preserving the environment for future generations. Authorities urge citizens to participate actively in this crucial effort, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Stay tuned for further developments on Montenegro’s environmental policies and their impact on local communities.
