China to ban plastic bags

China has issued a ban on the production of ultra-thin plastic bags and their free distribution by supermarkets and shops effective from June. Too many plastic bags are used in China, which are not disposed of properly, wasting oil and littering the country, according to China's cabinet, the State Council.

The cabinet added that the country’s financial authorities should use taxes to discourage the production and sale of plastic bags and encourage recycling. It also urged rubbish collectors to separate out plastic for reprocessing and reduce the amount burnt or landfilled.

The cabinet made the announcement and recommendations in a notice posted on the central government web site (http://www.gov.cn/). Reuters reported: "Our country consumes huge amounts of plastic bags every year. While providing convenience to consumers, they have also caused serious pollution, and waste of energy and resources, because of excessive use and inadequate recycling."

The ban follows the unveiling of similar draft plans in the Chinese town of Shenzhen at the end of last year.