Greece plots 2021 single-use plastics ban

Public consultations on the bill will be held until 18 September

The Greek government has put forward a massive bill aimed at phasing out single-use plastics by 2021 and implementing stricter environmental standards based on EU recommendations and regulations. Public consultations on the bill will be held until 18 September, prior to its adoption.

Sweeping changes for the benefit of nature

The bill introduced by the government is far more ambitious than a simple single-use plastics ban. Instead, it envisions sweeping changes to the use of plastics in general that are meant to protect Greece’s nature and marine life and will allow the environment to heal.

The timetable proposed by authorities is as follows:

• Disposable plastic products like kitchen utensils and straws will be prohibited starting 3 July 2021. Businesses will be able to supply these items until the end of October 2021, however, while public enterprises will be banned from restocking on them starting 1 January 2021.
• Starting 3 July 2021, the disposal of other biodegradable plastic items (such as bags) will also be banned as scientific evidence has shown that their use does not actually reduce damage to the environment.
• Municipalities will have to equip all their playgrounds and sports facilities with water taps by 1 July 2021 in order to prevent the need for plastic bottles to be used by citizens.
• The government will impose a special environmental tax starting 1 January 2022 on the use of plastic items, much in the spirit of the plastic bag tax. For example, plastic cups and lids will be taxed separately, with each costing 0.05 euros.
• Finally, by 2023 producers of disposable products will have to either take part in an already existing recycling system or create their own one in order to ensure proper waste management.

The revenue generated by some of these new fees will be gathered into a special fund that will then be used by Greek authorities for the protection of the country’s marine life and its habitat.