The use of very lightweight bags “will be subject to the payment of a contribution similar to that of lightweight plastic bags,” said a source in the ministry.
Thetypical transparent bagsused to transport fruit and vegetables will now be paid for. They were to be banned from Thursday, June 1, but the government has backed down and will instead move towards charging.
Contacted by Pp further clarification, a source from the government confirmed that the “Government is currently finalizing the diploma that provides for changes to this rule,” in line with what he had said to Pp.
“In the future, preference should be given to the use of non-disposable bags or reusable alternatives. The use of very light bags will be subject to the payment of a contribution similar to that of light plastic bags. With these measures, the government is meeting the European standards,” said the same source.
The collection of plastic bags in Portugal, remember, started in 2015. Currently, are charged about 10 cents per shopping bag, and at the time ‘escaped’ the rules transparent bags for fruit and vegetables, which now will also begin to be paid.
