Markets and stores start charging for plastic bags in São Paulo

Supermarkets and other commercial establishments in the city of São Paulo started to implement on Sunday (Apr 5) new rules governing the use of plastic shopping bags.  The traditional white bag has been banned, and the new legislation stipulates that bags should be 40% larger and capable of resisting 10kg. Also, customers may be charged an average of 3 cents per unit.

The new shopping bags will serve the additional purpose of facilitating recycling. Green ones will be used for recyclables and gray ones for non-recyclable material.

City authorities say that the solution was reached following negotiations conducted with the sectors involved over environment protection. São Paulo recycles 3% of its trash, and is capable of raising it to 10%.

Law enforcement agents will watch for those who do not sort their trash. Non-compliers may be given an official notice, and recidivists may be fined $16 to $161.

In a statement, the São Paulo Association of Supermarkets announced it is up to the establishment to set the price of shopping bags. “[We] suggest that customers be informed of the price, so that they may choose to buy the bags or avail themselves of other means, like their own reusable bags.”

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira