TOKYO: A Cabinet Office survey on plastic waste showed on Friday that 44.1 percent of respondents say ‘no thanks’ to disposable shopping bags at stores after the collection of fees for such bags started in July 2020.

In the survey, 16.1 percent said they have been declining plastic shopping bags since even when they were being offered for free, while 25.3 percent said that they say “No, thanks” when such bags are offered for a charge but say ‘thanks’ when they are free.

Meanwhile, 13.3 percent said they take plastic bags even though they have to pay for the bags.

An Environment Ministry official said the results of the survey show that the introduction of fees for single-use plastic bags has led to changes in consumer awareness and behavior.

The mail-based survey covered 3,000 Japanese citizens aged 18 or older across the country between Sept. 1 and Oct. 9. Valid responses came from 59.7 percent of them.

Asked which plastic item used in products or services they think is excessive, with multiple answers allowed, 50.2 percent cited disposable containers and decorations in boxed meals, 40.2 percent wrap-around labels used for polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, bottles, 38.9 percent wrapping and packing materials that come with products shipped, and 33.6 percent mixing sticks offered with drinks.

JIJI Press