site.bta Bulgaria Reports Drop in Plastic Bags Use

Bulgaria Reports Drop in Plastic Bags Use

Sofia, May 4 (BTA) - The Environment Ministry reported
a drop in the use of disposable plastic use.

Bulgaria is among the few EU countries which introduced measures
to curb the use of disposable plastic bags as early as in 2011.

From October 2012, a product fee is charged on all plastic bags
with a thickness of under 25 microns.

Between 2013 and 2014 revenues from product fees dropped
considerably largely due to market regulations and a greater use
of reusable bags, the Ministry said.

There is a market niche for product fee taxable bags. In the
past two years the bulk of revenues has come from the sales of
disposable plastic bags and not from sanctions due to
violations.

Analysis of revenue figures for 2013 and 2014 suggests a 60 per
cent drop which implies a gradual decrease in the use of
disposable plastic bags and changing consumer habits.