Ten types of disposable plastic products have been removed since yesterday, 3 July, as part of the European directive, which Greece was one of the first to adopt.
In particular, as of yesterday, the 10 species that are being removed are:
-plastic cutlery (forks, spoons, knives, food sticks),
-plastic plates
-plastic straws,
-plastic beverage stirrers,
-plastic cotton swabs,
-plastic balloon supports,
-food containers made of expanded polystyrene (such as styrofoam), beverage containers of expanded polystyrene (such as styrofoam) as well as their lids and covers, cups for drinks of expanded polystyrene (such as styrofoam) as well as their lids and covers.
-all products made of oxo-broken down plastics (such as bags and food containers made of oxo-broken down plastic).
Since when does the ban apply?
The ban on production and sale for all applies immediately, with a transitional period for retailers until they have exhausted their stock.
In fact, as has become known, there will be fines for those who do not comply, while those who bring their own pan will be entitled to a special discount on the product. The obligation to dispose of free drinking water from communal taps in municipal sports facilities and municipal playgrounds, through the OTA, also applies.
New labelling requirements are also introduced for:
-plastic glasses,
-liquid wipes,
-personal hygiene items and
-tobacco products
-inform that the product contains plastic, that it may harm the environment if disposed of uncontrollably and what disposal options should be avoided.
From 3 July 2023 the labelling is extended to other products
From 1 January 2022 mass caterers will be charged for plastic glasses and disposable food containers with an environmental protection levy (4 cents plus VAT) per piece of product, with a remunerative nature. Proceeds will be allocated to the Green Fund for environmental actions. They are required to make reusable alternative products available to the consumer at the point of sale.
Finally, a guarantee system for plastic bottles will be in place in 2023. The citizen will be charged a fee when purchasing the product, which will be refunded with the empty bottle. This economic incentive will help to quickly achieve the objective of recycling bottles