From June 1, all thin single-use plastic bags will be banned from production, import, and everyday use and be replaced with thicker ones that have a capacity of over 10-kg.
These types of bags are said to be recyclable and reusable.
“The increase in the thickness of the plastic bag makes it possible for it to be used multiple times. Therefore, we don’t just buy it and throw it away but we use it during multiple shopping trips,” – said Edlir Vokopola, expert on urban issues.
In Albania, a single person uses an average of 3 plastic bags on a daily basis. With this new law, a reduction of this everyday use is expected to be reached by replacing them with paper bags or fabric ones like totes.
According to an analysis by the ministry of environment and tourism, environmental pollution is expected to be reduced by 8% in the first two years.
“We’ve concluded that the product resulting in the highest amount of pollution are single-use plastic bags,” – said Elvis Tosuni, advisor at the ministry of tourism and environment.
According to this new law, every person that tries to sell, product or import these types of bags into Albania, will be fined at 500 000 ALL.
If the offense is repeated, the fine goes up to 1 500 000 ALL.
Cities that generate more plastic waste are Tirana, Durres, Elbasan, Shkoder and Fier.
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