JAPAN / EXPLAINER

Japan's new plastic bag charge: What it means for consumers and the environment

A woman puts items she has purchased into her shopping bag at a convenience store in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, on Wednesday. Stores nationwide are now charging for plastic bags. | KYODO

By Eric Johnston
Staff writer

Jul 1, 2020

From Wednesday, all retail outlets across the country are required to charge customers for the use of plastic bags.

The new requirement is an attempt by the government to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the country’s rivers, forests, streams and, ultimately, surrounding oceans. Here’s a look at what it will mean for consumers and how it fits into the larger issue of reducing all forms of plastic waste.

What was the motivation for creating the new rule?

Japan's new plastic bag charge: What it means for consumers and the environment

In your social network

In your inbox

In your social network

In your inbox