In Montenegro, according to the new Law on Waste Management, the use of light-walled plastic bags will be banned from October 20 between 15 and 50 microns, as well as single-use plastic products, the Montenegrin government announced.
Those who do not comply with the law will be fined between 1,000 and 40,000 euros. The measure is part of a wider set of measures introducing tighter controls and encouraging a shift to more sustainable ways of managing waste, with a particular focus on reducing the use of plastics. In addition to the ban on plastic bags, the law also introduces a fee for the disposal of mixed household waste at landfills, which will encourage recycling and waste reduction.
The Montenegrin law on waste management defines waste management as an activity of public interest. For effective implementation of the law, the formation of a state communal inspection is foreseen to control the implementation of local waste management plans. In addition, a national database and digital infrastructure are being introduced that will enable better collection and monitoring of waste information. A special problem for Montenegro is inaccurate waste data, illegal dumping and lack of infrastructure.
The head of the waste management department, Yasmina Jankovic, assessed that “the legislative framework has been significantly improved, but consistent implementation in practice is needed”. She believes that with the creation of regional centers for waste management and the introduction of the new system, Montenegro will come closer to the standards of the European Union. With the introduction of a ban on plastic bags and other measures, Montenegro is taking an important step towards better waste management and environmental protection 33 years after Montenegro was declared an ecological country. Increased producer responsibility, tougher penalties and citizen education are believed to be key elements that will ensure long-term sustainability and reduction of plastic pollution, notes the Belgrade newspaper "Politika".
At a recent conference, representatives of the French Embassy in Montenegro highlighted France's success in reducing plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, which could serve as an example for Montenegro.