Just three months after banning plastic bags, their use in shops has decreased by 50%, and the landfill in Podgorica now contains 70% fewer plastic bags.
The Ministry of Ecology reports that citizens are increasingly using cloth bags, paper bags, and other environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic bags, Pobjeda newspaper has reported.
Three months ago, Montenegro introduced restrictions and bans on plastic bag and single-use plastic packaging use through a new Waste Management Law. The use of plastic bags between 15 and 50 microns in thickness is now prohibited, while thicker plastic bags (over 50 microns) are subject to a charge of €0.03.
The ministry states that more time is needed for a thorough analysis and assessment, but the initial results are promising.
A morphological analysis of the Podgorica landfill showed that plastic bag disposal has decreased by about 70% compared to the period before the ban. Some retail chains have also recorded a 50% reduction in bag usage between October and January compared to the same period last year.
Fines for violating the law range from €1,000 to €40,000. Since the law came into effect, market inspectors have identified 19 violations, and eight businesses have been fined a total of €8,000.
In addition to plastic bags, plastic straws, cutlery, and certain food packaging containers have also been banned. Individual fines range from €500 to €2,000.
Croatia introduces charges for plastic bags for fruit and vegetables from 1 January
While Montenegro has banned plastic bags and cutlery, Croatia introduced charges for lightweight plastic bags on 1 January 2025. These bags, typically found in rolls in the fruit and vegetable sections of supermarkets or markets, are now subject to a fee.
Sanja Radović, head of the Waste Management Department at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, stated at the time that lightweight bags must be labelled with the message "Use bags sparingly" to raise awareness about responsible usage.
Since the introduction of the measure, retailers are required to ensure that bags are available only where they are necessary, such as in fruit and vegetable sections, and their price must be clearly displayed.
Additionally, since 1 January 2022, Croatia has banned the sale of lightweight plastic bags.
This ban is in line with the Waste Management Act and applies to plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness of up to 50 microns. However, the use of very lightweight plastic bags (thinner than 15 microns) remains permitted for hygiene purposes or as primary packaging for loose food items, helping to prevent food waste.
(EUpravo zato)
