- According to UNN resource, the bill prohibits the distribution of thin, ultra-thin and oxo-degradable plastic bags at retail and catering outlets.
The document does not prohibit the use of biodegradable plastic bags and packaging of sizes less than 225x345x450 mm used as primary packaging for the transport of foodstuffs and bulk materials.
Packages that do not meet the requirements of the bill will be withdrawn. Persons who violate the ban on the distribution of plastic bags will be held liable in accordance with the Law:
- For distributing packages at retail, catering and service points — a penalty of between 500 and 1,000 minimum incomes of citizens; for repeated violation for 3 years from the first offense — a penalty of between 1,000 and 2,000 minimum incomes.
- for free distribution of packages — a penalty from 100 to 200 minimum earnings; repeated violation for 3 years from the first violation — from 200 to 500 minimum earnings.
According to the authors of the bill, each Ukrainian uses up to 500 polyethylene bags each year and only 6% of them are sent for recycling. The bill will reduce the use of environmentally harmful plastic bags and increase recycling rates.
