Fuel service stations in Fiji are recording up to 75% decrease in plastic bag use in the first fifteen days since the introduction of the ten cents plastic bag levy.
Fiji Fuel Retailers Association Secretary Pavan Haer says that since the introduction of the ten cents plastic bag levy, fuel service stations have trained convenience store employees to inspire over one hundred and seventy thousand vehicle drivers to hand carry purchases or bring a reusable bag.
The training is supported with in‑store posters, counter signage and ten thousand free vehicle stickers to support the behavior change with vehicle drivers.
Supporting the announcement of the ten cents plastic bag levy in the 2017 – 2018 National Budget, the Fiji Fuel Retailers Association pledged to inspire drivers and walk‑in customers to reduce one million plastic bags through its fuel service station convenience stores.
Among its member service stations, a total of 44,196 plastic bags were levied for the first fifteen days.
Based on the performance of the ten cents plastic bag levy so far, the association is expected to surpass its challenge to reduce one million plastic bags in the first six months.
The levy is payable by a customer when provided a plastic bag from retailers that use a Point of Sale system and will be reflected on invoices and receipts.
Retailers are required by law to transmit the levy each month to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service that are responsible for transferring this sum to the newly established Fijian Government Environment and Climate Adaptation Fund. According to legislation, the fund will be utilized for financing environmental projects and activities in Fiji.
