Customers will have to pay for plastic shopping bags at supermarkets, convenience stores and other retail outlets from Wednesday, as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste.
It is the first time such a rule has been introduced and will impact shoppers nationwide.
Bags not covered by the new rule include paper bags, small plastic bags without handles and bags containing more than 25% biomass-derived material.
Department stores, boutiques, restaurants and convenience stores, among others, will follow in the footsteps of major supermarkets, many of which have already been charging customers for single-use bags.
Seven-Eleven Japan Co. will charge 3-5 yen per bag, while Lawson Inc. and FamilyMart Co. will charge 3 yen per bag.
Fast-food chains including McDonald's Co. and Yoshinoya Co. will be offering biomass plastic bags for free.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
