Nuredini: Manufacturers can produce biodegradable bags until June 1, 2023
The Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Naser Nuredini clarified at today's briefing that the essence of the new changes related to the collection of biodegradable bags is to raise public awareness about the use of canvas bags, ie to reduce the use of plastic.
He stressed that the main goal is not to take money from citizens, but to change the way of shopping and citizens to pay attention to environmental pollution.
- The standards remain the same as in the old Law on Waste Management. This means that manufacturers can continue to produce plastic bags with such standards, which are biodegradable until June 1, 2023, Nuredini said after a press briefing.
The Minister pointed out that the idea is not to expect money for the Fund, but to reduce the use of plastic.
- We will inform publicly and transparently in the first quarter of next year how much money was collected in the Fund and what we will do with those funds, said Nuredini answering questions, pointing out that the money will be used for projects to reduce environmental pollution.
Asked whether the plastic packaging will be changed, the Minister explained that they are already paid through the extended liability system of manufacturers.
- We will continue until June 1, 2023 with the same standards, manufacturers have a year and a half to continue with these standards and change, said Nuredini, adding that microplastics are harmful to our soils and waters and that with such laws and steps they want to protect citizens' health.
The Minister reminded that according to the Law on Social Responsibility, manufacturers who use packaging annually pay a fee. This fee is collected by the collective waste collectors who then have the responsibility with those funds to procure waste recycling and sorting bins. It is crucial for the citizens to select as much waste as possible in order to increase the number of placed containers for waste selection, and thus to increase the recycling that will contribute to the protection of the environment.
When asked by a journalist about the price of waste bags, the Minister said that currently no decision has been made to change their price. He clarified that in the future laws will be passed that will contribute to reducing the use of plastic.
Source: MIA
