Nagasaki Leads Makku's Plastic Bag Charge

NAGASAKI, Apr 05 (News On Japan) - McDonald's Japan has started charging 5 yen for a plastic bag, regardless of size, across all 23 stores in Nagasaki Prefecture, ahead of a nationwide rollout.

有料化されたレジ袋に入った商品を手渡す店員＝長崎市、マクドナルド499浪の平店

The initiative which began on April 3, has been implemented in all stores across the prefecture, excluding the Sasebo base store. McDonald's Japan has set an interim goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its stores and offices by 50.4% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels. As part of its efforts to reduce plastic use, the company has already switched to paper and wood for straws and spoons, and the introduction of a fee for plastic bags further advances these efforts.

A McDonald's employee announced, "Starting today, plastic bags will be charged at 5 yen each. Would you like one?"

Leading the way, 23 stores in the prefecture have begun charging for plastic bags, a first in the nation.

A customer commented, "I guess it's time to start using my own bags."

McDonald's Japan is observing customer reactions with plans to consider a nationwide rollout based on the feedback received from this preliminary introduction in Nagasaki.

Source: Nagasaki Shimbun

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