The government will legally enforce current guidelines that recommend public organizations reduce the use of disposable products.

The Environment Ministry recently issued an advance notice of the enactment of a prime ministerial directive on reducing disposable goods at central and local government agencies, public firms and schools.

The ministry drafted related guidelines for recommendation in 2018, but the latest move will make the existing rules law and add some new provisions.

Under the enforcement, disposable products including cups, plastic bags and other plastic goods such as balloons and umbrellas will be unavailable for purchase and not permitted for use at meetings and events held on government compounds or hosted by public organizations.

Cafeterias, restaurants and cafes operating inside these venues will be advised to reduce plastic use.

Public institutions must also exert efforts to go paperless and save resources.

The environment ministry will gather opinions on the administrative notice until February 18, after which it will finalize the guidelines.