Taipei, Sept. 5 (CNA) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Tuesday that it will further restrict seven more categories of retailers from providing free plastic bags upon purchase of goods, starting Jan. 1, 2018.
The EPA section chief Lai Ying-ying said Tuesday the move will include drug and cosmetic stores, stores that sell medical equipment, electronics stores, bookstores, stationery stores, beverage shops, cafes and bakeries.
Asked about the situation in which plastic bags are used for the convenience of making deliveries, Lai said the bags will be charged to the customers if they want them.
The policy to reduce the use of plastic bags was introduced in 2002 and originally included the government sector, private schools, department stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores and fast food restaurants, with the aim of encouraging customers to bring their own shopping bags.
According to the EPA website, the policy will cover up to 80,000 stores, a hefty increase from the 20,000 stores it originally covered.
