Montenegro Imposes €0.05 Fee on Plastic Bags Over 50 Microns

The Government of Montenegro has enacted a regulation that introduces a fee of €0.05 for lightweight plastic bags with a thickness exceeding 50 microns. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development, aims to strengthen the country’s plastic waste management system.

According to officials, the regulation establishes both the calculation method for the fee and its amount, focusing on reducing plastic waste. Damjan Ćulafić, the Minister of Ecology, stated that the fee will be assessed based on a monthly report submitted by sellers detailing the quantity of bags sold. This report must be provided to the Agency for Environmental Protection by the fifth of each month.

The Ministry clarified that the fees will be processed through a resolution from the relevant authority, which must be paid into a designated account for the Environmental Protection Fund within 15 days of issuance. This move follows the prohibition of plastic bags with a thickness between 15 and 50 microns, which took effect on October 20, 2022.

Minister Ćulafić highlighted the positive impact of the previous ban, reporting a remarkable 72% reduction in the presence of plastic bags at waste disposal sites and a 50% decrease in sales within retail chains. These statistics suggest that the measures implemented are yielding encouraging results.

Furthermore, the Ministry has actively engaged in public awareness campaigns regarding the detrimental effects of single-use plastics. As part of this initiative, they distributed 10,000 biodegradable bags to encourage the adoption of more sustainable alternatives.

Previously, sellers were required to pay a fee of €0.03 for plastic bags over 50 microns. The revenue generated from these fees will fund further campaigns and educational activities aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste.

Minister Ćulafić emphasized the significance of this regulation in maintaining a consistent policy for reducing plastic bag usage, ultimately contributing to environmental preservation. He noted, “Since the enactment of the Waste Management Law and the State Waste Management Plan, we have taken measured steps that yield measurable results in addressing the long-standing issue of plastic waste.”

He expressed optimism about the growing awareness among citizens, pointing out that reusable bags are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger demographics. This shift reflects a broader transformation in consumption culture, indicating a collective effort to build a more sustainable Montenegro.