In order to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling as a resource, the government has put together a plan for measures required of companies and local governments.
In addition to obliging businesses that provide a large amount of 12 items such as spoons and straws that are distributed free of charge to review them, measures to strengthen the collection of plastic waste are included.
Based on the "Plastic Resource Recycling Promotion Law" enacted in June, the government is considering measures required of companies and local governments, and the proposal was made at a joint council of the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry held on the 23rd. Was shown.
According to this, first of all, we request a review of the provision method for disposable plastic products that are distributed free of charge in order to reduce plastic waste.
Specifically, 12 items such as spoons and straws provided at convenience stores, toothbrushes and razors prepared at hotels and inns, and hangers used at dry cleaners are designated as "specific plastic products" and can be used as substitutes. After encouraging the conversion to materials, we will ask for ingenuity such as charging and returning points to customers who do not receive it.
Businesses that provide 5 tons or more per year are obliged to take such measures, and if the measures are insufficient, the government will make recommendations and publish the company name.
In addition, regarding the new mechanism for certifying environmentally friendly plastic products by the government, guidelines were provided such as reducing the weight of products, improving durability, and using raw materials that are easy to recycle.
In addition, specific standards for the target waste were shown for "bulk collection", in which PET bottles, food trays, and other used plastic products are collected together as "plastic resources" to promote recycling. rice field.
The government is also considering subsidizing the costs for local governments that carry out "lump-sum collection" to encourage the introduction.
The government has decided to establish such measures as government ordinances and ministerial ordinances, and is aiming for enforcement in April next year together with the "Plastic Resource Recycling Promotion Law".
12 items of "Products using specific plastics"
"Products using specific plastics" are
◇ forks, spoons, knives, muddlers, straws provided at convenience stores and cafes,
◇ hair brushes, combs, razors, and showers prepared at hotels and inns. cap, toothbrush,
it
hanger to be used in such ◇ cleaning shop, the cover of clothing,
is 12 items.
Regarding the reasons for designating these items, the Ministry of the Environment said that the amount provided is large and that rationalization of use is expected to reduce the emission of plastic waste, and that excessive use should be stopped or conversion to alternative materials should be made. It has the effect of encouraging.
Businesses are required to take one or more measures, such as paying, returning points to customers who do not receive it, confirming the intention of consumers to receive it, repeated use, weight reduction, etc. ..