Using Legislation to Reduce One‐time Plastic Bag Usage

Abstract

Plastic bag litter generates serious environmental concerns and poses a risk to wildlife. As this does not seem to be a problem which can be resolved by the private sector alone, or by ‘Coasean’ negotiation, legislation is proposed, particularly focusing on ‘one‐use’ bags. This article surveys legislation worldwide, while concentrating on lessons from the United States and the United Kingdom. The issues are more complex than is often assumed. While environmentalists argue for restriction and ultimate elimination of one‐use bags, manufacturers, especially those that have reformulated the composition of their bags, see legislation as an overreaction to a problem that is already being addressed within the industry. They cite evidence that, when used within a comprehensive recycling programme, plastic bags are not only cost‐effective but a sound use of our limited resources. Bans or restrictions can have knock‐on effects which can create new problems.

Why is Recycling of Postconsumer Plastics so Challenging?

“…For example, the contamination and regulatory requirements associated with food contact represent a significant hurdle for the closed loop recycling of food packaging . These regulatory factors present opportunities to dramatically shape how plastics are used and recycled, but there is also a danger of unintended consequences . The bans of single use plastic bags have been popular with local governments, but these complete bans can actually be unfavorable from a LCA perspective if water use is considered, due to water use for the production and cleaning of multiple use natural textile bags .…”

“…Only a small fraction of this large potential material stream from packaging materials is recycled, despite governmental efforts to promote recycling . Alternative routes to address the growing plastic packaging waste have included mandates banning some single use plastics − and larger multinational directives such as the “European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy” through the European Commission . However, the efficacy of limited bans on impacting environmental concerns about plastic waste has been questioned. ,, Improvements across the waste management chain from disposal practices, recycling technology, government regulations, and public incentives are likely necessary to address global challenges associated with plastic wastes.…”

Online Food Delivery Platforms and Restaurants’ Interactions in the Context of the Ban on Using Single-Use Plastics

“…Unfortunately, the most important issue, how to change consumers' attitudes, is still a problem. Many studies have analyzed policy instruments [31]- [33] for singleuse plastic reduction as many countries have reduced the use of single-use plastics in various industries. These studies provide references and a basis for this study.…”

‘Market failure’ arguments are a poor guide to policy

“…Consider the recent debate around plastic bags. Jurisdictions in many countries have enacted legislation to ban or tax the bags (Kish, ). These actions are usually justified by pointing to environmental externalities associated with plastic bags, such as carbon emissions in production, spillovers from landfill sites, and, most emotively, visible pollution and harm caused to natural habitats and ocean wildlife.…”