Shanghai has completely banned plastic bags in its stores

Beginning this year, traditional single-use bags made of non-degradable raw materials will disappear from grocery supermarkets.

Shanghai authorities have established a complete ban on the use of disposable plastic bags in retail stores. The ban will take effect on January 1, 2021, citing the Shanghai Daily.

Starting this year, traditional single-use bags made of non-degradable raw materials will disappear from grocery stores and pharmacies, bookstores, and other retail formats. The ban will also apply to plastic bags by courier delivery services for groceries and ready-to-eat meals. 

Catering businesses in Shanghai will be required to remove plastic utensils, including disposable cups and beverage tubes, starting January 1. According to the regulations, restaurants can only use plastic dishes to pack freshly cooked food. 

After the city banned non-recyclable plastic containers, many retailers decided in advance to abandon the bags. Local governments have pursued a policy of phasing out single-use plastic in retail, catering, and other services over the past decade. By 2021, the city will implement a total ban on its use for the first time. 

The government expects to expand the program to new industries. Specifically, it mentions that by the end of 2021, the “star” hotels will have to stop using single-use plastic bags first. Starting in 2023, all hotels in the city will have to do so. In the future, plastic will also disappear from circulation in the postal service’s delivery services, which will switch to more environmentally friendly materials. 

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