Japan to require businesses to reduce distribution of disposable plastic items

Japan will oblige businesses to reduce the distribution of 12 disposable plastic items beginning next April to promote recycling and tackle marine pollution.

The country enacted a law in June to reduce plastic waste at restaurants and retail stores.

Targeted plastic items include straws, spoons, forks, knives, combs, toothbrushes, shower caps, and clothes hangers.

Affected businesses also include hotels, laundries, and pizza delivery companies.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Environment Ministry will hear public opinion on the measure as bases for the ordinances they would draft this fall.

Business operators have several options, including charging for the items and switching to recyclable products.

Operators are required to adopt new practices such as introducing reusable products, making it standard practice to ask customers whether they need plastic items, and giving points to customers who decline to take the items.

|The government would ask businesses that fail to meet the new requirement to improve their practices.