Armenia Bans Single-Use Plastics Starting 2027 in Environmental Push

YEREVAN — Armenia is set to become the latest country to crack down on plastic pollution, after parliament gave final approval to a government-backed bill banning the sale and possession of polyethylene bags, single-use plastic containers, and styrofoam tableware starting January 1, 2027.

Under the new law, first-time offenders will face fines ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 drams (approximately $266 to $400), a measure designed to enforce compliance as the country shifts toward more sustainable alternatives. The legislation now awaits the president’s signature before becoming law.

The move comes as authorities highlight the severe and long-term environmental damage caused by disposable plastics, which are often used briefly before being discarded. Government officials and environmental advocates have pointed to Armenia’s scenic resort areas and tourist destinations, where plastic waste has become a persistent blight, marring landscapes and harming ecosystems.

Proponents of the ban argue that the measure will not only reduce pollution but also encourage businesses and consumers to adopt reusable or biodegradable alternatives. While the transition period until 2027 gives industries and the public time to adjust, the law signals Armenia’s commitment to tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the modern era.