The government of Montenegro has enacted a new regulation imposing a fee of €0.05 on lightweight plastic bags thicker than 50 microns. This initiative aims to enhance the management of plastic waste within the country. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development, led by Damjan Ćulafić.
The regulation establishes the method for calculating payments and the amount of the fee for these types of plastic bags. According to the Ministry, the fee will be calculated based on a monthly report detailing the quantity of bags sold by retailers. This report must be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency by the fifth day of each month. The fees collected will be directed to a special account of the Environmental Protection Fund within 15 days of the issuance of the relevant decision by the authorities.
Ćulafić noted that as part of the Waste Management Law, a ban on the use of plastic bags between 15 and 50 microns thick came into effect on October 20, 2022. He highlighted that this ban has already yielded promising results, with a reported 72% decrease in plastic bags found in landfills and a 50% reduction in sales within retail chains.
The Ministry has been proactive in raising awareness about the harmful effects of single-use plastics. As part of its ongoing campaign, it has distributed 10,000 biodegradable bags, encouraging the public to adopt more sustainable alternatives. Ćulafić emphasized that the funds collected from the previous fee of €0.03 on plastic bags thicker than 50 microns will contribute to new awareness campaigns and educational activities aimed at reducing plastic waste.
With the introduction of this regulation, the government is reaffirming its commitment to a clear and consistent policy aimed at decreasing plastic bag usage, ultimately protecting the environment. Ćulafić stated that the progression from the Waste Management Law to the recent ban and now this new regulation shows measurable results in addressing the long-standing issue of plastic waste.
He expressed optimism regarding the growing public consciousness about environmental issues, noting a noticeable increase in the use of reusable bags, particularly among younger people. This shift indicates a positive change in consumer culture towards building a more sustainable Montenegro.
