Charge on Plastic Bags, Articles Making Wildlife Difficult in Same Omnibus Law

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An omnibus law introducing changes to the Environmental Law and some other laws, which was prepared by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Commission on Environment, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) MP İlyas Şeker and six other MPs, was published on the Official Gazette today (December 10).

Deposit system to enter into force in 2021

According to the new law, measures on decreasing the usage of plastic bags and packing will be taken for prevention and elimination of environmental pollution. The Ministry of Environment and Urbanism will make the deposit system for plastic bags obligatory as of January 1, 2021.

The deposit price and the types of plastic packing to be included in the scope of the law is going to be determined by a commission formed by the ministry.

The minimum price for a plastic bag will be no lower than 25 kurush (~5 cents). The businesses which do not abide by the law will be fined.

'Ecological bridges' for wild animal routes

The new law also makes changes to the Highway Traffic Law, which proposes, "In the areas where highways split habitats, ecological bridges, vents and similar structures will be built in consultation with the General Directorate of Protecting the Nature and National Parks."

According to the new law, the wild habitats can also be fenced if necessary. (PT/VK)