Albania Plans Tougher Penalties for Plastic ban Rule-Breakers

TIRANA, October 23

Albanian authorities plan to turn to tough monetary sentencing tools and penalties to stop the use and production of plastic bags. This solution, which is one of the most used ways of deterring people worldwide, is part of a bill drafted by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment that adds the two following points to existing law:

First, every person in the Republic of Albania that uses plastic bags, light-weight plastic bags, and Oxo-degradable and Oxo-biodegradable plastic bags, according to the definition of point 3, article No. 29 of this law are subject to fine penalties from Lek 30,000 to Lek 100,000.
Second, every individual that produces, imports, or brings plastic bags within the Albanian territory light-weight plastic bags, and Oxo-degradable and Oxo-biodegradable plastic bags, according to the definition of point 3, article No. 29 of this law are subject to fine penalties from Lek 1 million to Lek 1.5 million.

The bill also includes a transitory record on the subjects that produce or import all the above-mentioned categories of plastic bags, before the law comes into effect. According to the transitory record, all those subjects or companies must suspend their activity by February 1st, 2020.

Besides the monetary penalties, it is crucial to raise awareness of the rising threats and dangers of all types of plastic waste to human life and the environment.

Read more: GREEN VLORA Helps Businesses to Tackle the Plastic Problem and Promote Sustainability

Policymakers, companies, and individuals around the world are taking effective action to stop the damage to plastic pollution.
Currently, Kenya has the toughest plastic bag ban, where rule-breakers risk four-years of imprisonment and a fine up to $40,000.

Canada plans to ban single-use plastic by 2021
Antigua and Barbuda banned single-use plastic in 2016
During this year, Peru restricted people from carrying single-plastic into 76 natural and cultural protected areas.
San Diego banned Styrofoam food and drink containers in January
Washington D.C banned plastic straws on January 1st, 2019.

 

Why refuse single-use plastic?

It’s made from fossil fuels
Will still be there in hundreds of years
It has a huge carbon footprint
Only a tiny percentage is recycled
Leaches toxins into food and drink
Causes hormone disruption and cancer (Sad fact: most Albanians say ‘bad disease’ instead of cancer to keep themselves safe)
Pollutes our rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans
Kills marine animals and birds
Enters our food chain

Source: Monitor