Poles have been using fewer disposable plastic shopping bags since they stopped being free, Polish Deputy Environment Minister Sławomir Mazurek said, citing reports from retailers.

Mazurek said the charge forced shoppers to reconsider how many bags they needed.

Exact figures on shopping bag use are expected early in 2019.

Poland implemented a compulsory PLN 0.25 (EUR 0.6) fee for each bag at the beginning of the year to fund the country’s efforts to combat pollution.

According to Poland’s environment ministry, before the new fee was introduced, the average Pole was using 250-300 disposable shopping bags each year. (vb)

Source: PAP