Unnecessary bags are also charged, there is still no order after three years of the introduction of ecological packaging

Paper bags/Photo: Profimedia

As explained by the Ministry of the Environment, for small branded bags, the will of the traders remains, whether they will sell them or not, but if they put the products in the branded, thicker bags, then they may not charge for them

The collection of branded bags continues to irritate the citizens. They complain that they leave thousands of denars for medicine, shoes, underwear, household appliances and books, but they pay a "marketing tax", because at the cash register they ask for another 10 denars for an ordinary small bag or 30 denars for a paper branded one. At the same time, whoever does not want to pay, will walk around with the newly purchased item in his hand.
As explained by the Ministry of Environment, for small branded bags, the will of the merchants remains, whether they will sell them or not, but if they put the products in the branded, thicker bags, then they may not charge for them.

- Regarding the question of why merchants sell branded bags for carrying goods such as books, textiles, shoes, etc. we inform you that this is not regulated by the law, that is, it is up to the merchant whether he will charge them or not. The legislation stipulates that bags with a thickness greater than 50 microns can be used and the fee from Article 10 of the law is not charged for them - the Ministry stated to the "Free Press".

Meanwhile, there is almost no store that sells underwear or socks that does not charge 10 denars for the smallest bags.

– Are panties, bra or pajamas carried in hand? I pay and wait as it is my turn to put what I bought in a bag, and the saleswoman packed the products for me. After my reaction, they asked me if I wanted a bag, for which I had to pay 15 denars - a citizen reacts.

Small bags are charged massively in some pharmacies.

- The monthly therapy costs me 1.500 denars, and they have no shame when they ask me for money for one bag - Macedonian senior citizens criticize.

There are also complaints from citizens who shop in white goods stores.

– I bought a mixer and expected it to be packed. Fortunately, I was carrying a canvas bag in which to collect the box. The saleswoman muttered that I have money for household appliances, but I don't have money for a bag of 15 denars. Stubbornness and principle did not allow me, because someone arbitrarily violates the law, and I participate in that by paying. The bags - paper or plastic - are branded, which means that I have to pay for their advertisement as well - says an outraged woman from Skopje.

From December 1, 2021, the use of single-use plastic, nylon bags on the market in the country is prohibited, and only biodegradable bags are allowed in markets and markets, which are charged at 15 denars. The shopkeepers do not charge for the bags in which you buy fruits and vegetables, and the markets offer a choice - paper or plastic bags with their logo at a price of 8 to 15 denars.

 The use of disposable bags has been drastically reduced

The use of single-use plastic bags has been reduced by more than 80 percent. The fight against plastic has been going on since 2013, when the Law on the Management of Packaging and Packaging Waste was passed, which prohibited the use of plastic bags. Since 3 years ago, we have a new law, with the same prohibition, which really "cleaned up" a serious part of plastic bags, which were polluting the environment and flying everywhere, but habits are difficult to change.

The Ministry of Ecology informs that from January 1 to October 4 this year, over 1,8 million bags were sold and compensation in the amount of about 360 thousand euros (22,4 million denars) was collected. For the year 2023, this amount was about 760 thousand euros (47,8 million denars), which is a double reduction in the use of plastic bags. These funds are used to protect the environment.

At the moment, plastic bags hang "freely" in the markets, and wholesale 100 pieces are sold for 100 denars. Of the former thirty producers, only ten "survived" the sales ban.

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