ArmInfo. Public discussions on the package of laws developed by the Ministry aimed at prohibiting the use of plastic bags were held at the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia, on the basis of the presented draft, from July 1, 2019, in particular, the free provision of plastic bags is prohibited. Moreover, it is planned to introduce a special tax on this product from January 1, 2020, and from 2023 to completely ban their sale.
First Deputy Minister of Nature Protection Irina Ghaplanyan noted that plastic bags are one of the main elements of environmental pollution, and the problem needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Discussion participants emphasized that the development of draft laws was the result of long-term research, environmental observations, and numerous discussions. Representatives of companies, manufacturers and importers of plastic bags, proposed a phased ban, as well as a more long-term period of application of this ban, which is necessary for repurposing products. In turn, representatives of public organizations who attended the meeting reported on the results of many years of research on the existing and growing threats of plastic bags and their experience in dealing with it.