Plastic Bags Banned in Uruguay, But No Hope for Larger Waste Bill

Uruguay is the latest Latin American country to roll out legislation to control single-use plastic bags, but time could be running out for the government to push through a broader solid waste law.

The country began implementing the plastics legislation, Law 19,655, on March 1, prohibiting the import, manufacture, and sale of plastic bags that aren’t biodegradable.

The next phase starts June 30, when a surcharge on bags begins. Anyone violating the legislation can be fined up to $332,500. Slightly more than 80 percent of plastic bags are imported.

“This law is aimed at significantly reducing the number of ...