The single use plastic bags have become essential in our daily routine. Worldwide, there are around 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags used annually, especially in retail stores Disposed plastic bags go to landfills, recycling facilities, or outdoors in the environment. The percentage of recycled municipal waste in the United States is around 35% of the total waste, Germany of which is the most efficient country recycles 68% of their municipal waste . It is very well-known that plastics take up to 1,000 years to decompose. In addition, plastics that don’t reach the landfill end up in the open environment can cause harm to the land and sea organisms . This encouraged companies to come up with biodegradable plastic products that bacteria or other living organisms can decompose since 1800s up to date. They can source the raw materials of Biodegradable plastics from many plant-based sources such as pineapple, henequen leaves, banana stems, and corn. Some countries moved to prohibit the import and sale of single use plastic bags , instead they imposed fees or levies on customers or retailers. Recently Bahrain joined to prohibit selling, manufacturing, and importing single-use plastic bags .
Some countries are partially only charge or ban plastic bags in specific locations. Canada bans plastic bags in three provinces and charge in Northwest Territories . Other countries such as Switzerland Banned in Geneva since 2020 and voluntary charge elsewhere through retailers . Many countries such as Japan, Ireland, Hungary, and Greece they impose tax to all plastic bags to reduce the use of plastic bags . More countries are completely banning plastic bags from manufacturing, imports, and trading, an example of Australia of which they banned lightweight plastic bags in all states and territories and replaced it with reusable thick bags . According to the Kingdom’s vision, the government is seeking to support and enhance the development of waste management projects and to reach zero waste soon . Currently, the kingdom generates around 2.4 million tons of solid plastic of which represents around 10% of the total municipal waste generated in 2021 .
In conclusion, more countries are moving towards to prohibit the single use plastic bags to use alternative and more sustainable applications.
