Taiwan to expand ban on free use of plastic bags in 2018

TAIPEI -- Starting from Jan 1, 2018, Taiwan will expand restriction on the use of free plastic bags in shops to reduce waste.

The new measure will apply to about 80,000 additional shops. Violation of the rule may incur a fine of up to 6,000 new Taiwan dollars (about $200).

According to the environmental authorities of Taiwan, the restriction on free plastic bags will be expanded from seven types of store to 14 types, including pharmacies, electronics stores, book stores, stationery shops, laundries, beverage shops and bakeries.

The ban was first introduced to the island in 2002, covering shops such as supermarkets, chain stores and convenience stores. Since then, at least two billion plastic bags have been saved each year. It is estimated that another 1.5 billion plastic bags will be saved annually after the extension of the ban.