Total ban on plastic bags begins in Chile

This bag does not pollute and becomes compost 2:02

(CNN Spanish) - In all shops in Chile, the delivery of plastic bags is prohibited from this Monday.

The measure came into force under Law 21,100, enacted two years ago and known as Chao Bolsas Plásticas. This has the objective of reducing the use of this material, which, according to the authorities, takes up to 400 years to degrade and reduce pollution in the environment, especially in the oceans.

According to Rodrigo Lagos, regional secretary of the Ministry of the Environment, before the regulation came into force, 3.4 billion plastic bags were used per year, the equivalent of 200 per person. The implementation of the law was carried out gradually: first, it was the large stores that stopped delivering them and, starting this Monday, the small and medium-sized stores that until now could supply up to two bags per customer are added. The measure exempts the plastic bags used to package food or fruits and vegetables at fairs.

Locals who break the law will be fined. For this, the authorities will consider the number of bags delivered, the conduct of the offender and their economic capacity.