Xinhua News Agency, Tokyo, June 4 (reporter Huayi) In order to reduce plastic waste pollution, the Japanese environment Minister announced on the 3rd that a new law will be enacted to prohibit businesses from providing free plastic bags to customers. Previously, some local governments in Japan have formulated the policy of charging for plastic bags.

Japanese Environment Minister Harada Yoshiaki said at a press conference held by the Ministry of the Environment on the same day that a law will be enacted to prohibit supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies and other businesses to provide free plastic bags to customers, the new law will be implemented in this year and next two years, no later than the Tokyo Olympic Games. Plastic bag fees and other matters will be decided by the business.

It is understood that before the introduction of China's sex law, some local governments in Japan have formulated the policy of charging plastic bags, and achieved good results. For example, in Toyama Prefecture, which took the lead in implementing the policy in 2008, 95% of consumers brought their own bags.

Plastic pollution has become a growing global problem. According to Japanese media, the country uses more than 100,000 tons of plastic bags a year. Japan also exports a lot of plastic waste due to inadequate treatment facilities and high costs in China. As more countries restrict the import of plastic waste, Japan and China are starting to experience a backlog of plastic waste.

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