China news network June 3, according to Japanese media reported on the 3rd, Japan's environment minister Harada Yoshiaki 3 held a press conference in the Ministry of the Environment, indicating that in order to curb the production of plastic waste caused by serious Marine pollution, it is proposed to enact new regulations to prohibit free plastic bags in supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores and department stores.

The price of plastic bags will be decided by various businesses and industry groups, so that it can be "effective" in reducing the environmental burden. The price per bag is currently envisaged to be between yen and 10 yen (about 0.6 yuan). "Plastic bags do not account for much of the plastic waste, but the charge will be a symbol [of the move]," Mr Harada stressed. "We must put into action to make it no later than the Tokyo Olympics," he said, expressing his intention to have it ready by next summer at the latest.

The revenue from plastic bag sales will be used for environmental measures such as regional greening campaigns and awareness campaigns related to the problem of plastic waste in the ocean. Explore how to treat plastic bags, etc., produced from alternative materials that decompose easily in the environment.

The future system design will refer to the approach adopted by Toyama Prefecture in 2008. Prefectural supermarkets and laundries will take part, with plastic bags costing 5 yen each in supermarkets and 10 yen each in laundries. The proceeds are used for local environmental protection activities.

It is reported that the plastic bag charge is clearly written into the "draft plastic resource recycling strategy" put together by the Japanese Ministry of Environment last year, after discussing the specific method.

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