Ban on plastic bag needs further enforcement

It's been almost three years since China banned plastic bags from supermarket and produce markets. Since then, what used to such a natural and free part of bagging shopping has required additional charge. CCTV repoter Jie Bai looks at how markets in Jiangsu Province are enforcing, or flaunting, the ban.

Ms. Ma's shopping routine has changed very little since the plastic bag ban came into force. She is one shopper who takes responsibility in bagging her own goods.

"I've been doing this for several years. It's environmental friendly.

More shoppers are joining the campaign, meaning more plastic bags that used to be in rampant use are now lying unused at the checkout.

Supermarket Cashier of Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province said "More than 10-thousand plastic bags were given out daily three years ago. But now, only 6-thousand are sold daily."

However, it doesn't mean plastic bags are used less even within the supermarkets. Many consumers have found its replacement: the free grocery bags supermarkets provide for fruits and vegetables.

(Nats: a women tears several plastic bags from a roll)

With some greedy shoppers taking advantage...

Supermarket cashier of Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province said "These grocery bags are free and convenient. So many people just use them as a substitute to plastic shopping bags."

Vegetable markets represent a different scene.

Bulks of plastic bags are in plain sight in stark defiance to the ban, giving shoppers an easy choice.

Local resident said "It's common practice that sellers provide plastic bags."

"Me, carrying a basket? It makes me looks like a housewife. I won't do that."

Vendors say that if they don't provide plastic bags, consumers will simply turn sellers who will.

Strong market demand has prompted plastic dealers to dump many plastic bags into the market. But insufficient enforcement of regulations have exacerbated their abuse.

Vendors who rent stalls at vegetable markets don't have to register for a operational license. This means that cannot be punished by the major supervisor, the industry and commerce bureau.

Street vendors, a major source of plastic bags, are also out of the crosshair of regulators.

Although four bureaus and departments are involved in regulation, their task of rooting out plastic bags from markets remains a key challenge three years since the ban was enforced.

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