Unchecked single-use persistence: Islamabad retailers’ defiance of the plastic bag prohibition

Muhammad Khan ,Rafi Amir-ud-Din ,Rao Muhammad Atif

doi:10.24294/jipd.v8i7.4200

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Unchecked single-use persistence: Islamabad retailers’ defiance of the plastic bag prohibition

Muhammad Khan

Rafi Amir-ud-Din

Rao Muhammad Atif

Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development 2024, 8(7), 4200; https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i7.4200

Submitted：13 Jan 2024

Accepted：05 Mar 2024

Published：29 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Islamabad’s 2019 ban on single-use plastic shopping bags aimed to reduce plastic waste, but compliance is limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the ban as well as other factors in curtailing plastic bag use in Islamabad. Regression modeling within a rational choice framework analyzed survey data from 406 retailers across 18 selected urban and rural markets. We found that the subjective belief that a fine was unlikely (β = −16.10; t = −3.90; p < 0.001), likely (β = −24.99; t = −4.95; p < 0.001), or very likely (β = −43.84; t = −4.07; p < 0.001) for selling bags versus very unlikely was significantly associated with lower usage. Additionally, older retailer age (β = −0.25; p < 0.001) and more education (β = −0.77; p < 0.01) were associated with lower plastic bag usage. Business registration (β = −3.94; p < 0.10) and trade membership (β = −4.04; p < 0.05) also decreased use. Rural location (zone II: β = 13.28; p < 0.001) and plastic bags stock availability (β = 16.75; p < 0.001) increased use. Awareness, viewing bags as “Good”, unlikely fines and lack of substitutes lowered use. Results provide insights to inform more effective policies for reducing plastic waste.

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References

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