The role of the environmental levy on the plastic carrier bag
Plastic bags have been in use for 25 years with results that are detrimental to the environment, due to their high final waste volume and at the same time their slow rate of degradation. The use of plastic bags over the years seems to have created greater problems than expected, especially in aquifers and ecosystems. This is the reason why the EU has adopted Directive (EU) 2015/720 on the reduction of the consumption of thin plastic carrier bags, with which Greece is required to harmonize through KYA 180036/952 (Government Gazette B’ 2812)/2017.
Thus, from 1 January 2018, all points of sale of goods or products and traders will have to make them available by consumers paying an environmental fee per piece of thin plastic bags (<50 μm) or charge (50-70 μm), an amount that will be indicated on the sales documents (sales invoice or retail receipt) in a distinct and legible way before VAT. Plastic carrier bags, which are subject to an environmental fee or mandatory charge, shall be labelled with information such as the place and date of production, the Producer Registration Number (PRN) and a bar code in a clear and prominent place. However, plastic bags that do not bear the necessary labelling elements mentioned in the legislation will normally be subject to a charge because they are stocks of bags created before the publication of the legislation, but they must be exhausted by 10/06/2018.
The fee, amounting to 3 cents (for 2018) and 7 cents from 01/01/2019, will be contributory and will be allocated by the Hellenic Recycling Organisation (HRA) in cooperation with municipalities for environmental actions and for the free distribution to citizens of alternative means that will reduce consumption and promote reuse and recycling.
With the environmental charge levied on plastic bags, it is now ‘the polluter that pays’ and therefore tends to reduce wasteful use. These actions are subject to the Environmental Economy Sector and the broader spirit of waste management legislation.
Lina D. Tsamili
Chemical Engineer, MSc, PhD c.
Quality Manager
Head of Chemical Department
Department of Environmental Studies & Applications
