TIRANA, June 30 /ATA/ Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro, accompanied by the Mayor of Durrës, Emiriana Sako, inspected the enforcement of the law that prohibits the use of disposable plastic bags.
“The whole point is to discourage people from buying bags. These bags you trade are in line with the law because they are thick and versatile. I am glad that you have also started to use the paper bags, but from July 1, the controls will no longer be informative, they will impose penalties in case of violations,” said the minister during the conversation with a trader in a food market.
While talking with businesses and citizens, the minister also donated linen tote bags, instructing the citizens to carry them whenever they go shopping so as not to pay for multipurpose bags 70 microns thick with a carrying capacity of 10 kilograms. Although the latter are in line with the law, the use of textile bags, according to Minister Kumbaro, is the best alternative to protect the environment.
During the meeting, the Minister explained that after a month of awareness, the three entities that will inspect enforcement of the law prohibiting the production, import and trade of disposable plastic bags are the Customs Directorate, the National Environment Agency and the Market Inspectorate.
From July 1 the penalties will become effective.
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