More than 200kg of plastic waste is dumped into the worlds oceans and seas every second, according to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Studies show that about 80% of marine debris are plastics. This calls for urgent measures.

Since June 1st 2016, the distribution (free of charge or for a fee) of single-use plastic bags, of a thickness of less than 50 microns and a volume of less than 25 liters and of oxo-fragmentable plastic bags is prohibited.
On January 1st 2017, all other disposable bags intended for goods packaging at a retailer, which are not compostable and not composed of more than 30% bio-based materials were also banned. This proportion will gradually increase up to 60% by 2025.
From January 1st 2020, all disposable plastic kitchen utensils will be banned.
The objectives are to significantly reduce the mass of plastic waste with the following positive consequences:
Reducing oceans and seas pollution caused by the dissemination of plastic particles resulting from the degradation of plastic bags;
Preserving natural resources by limiting the production of these bags;
Protecting marine biodiversity;
Raising awareness on the impact of local actors (distributors, retailers and consumers) on the environment.
This ban is part of a broader approach in favor of a committed trade that has been implemented since 2014, which aims at promoting eco-responsible practices among producers, retailers and consumers in the Principality of Monaco.
The strategic thrusts of this approach concern the reduction of waste and greenhouse gas emissions with the implementation of an environmental label to advance the elimination of single-use bags, the generalization of returnable bottle use, the promotion of short economic circuits, the reuse of goods packaging, the increase of waste sorting, etc.
In the wake of these actions, the Government is currently studying the terms for a total ban on plastic bottles in the Principality
Accordingly, on July 1st 2017, the Government will prohibit the purchase of plastic water bottles within the Administration.