Armenia’s parliament today gave final approval to a government-sponsored bill banning the sale or possession of polyethylene bags and sacks, as well as single-use containers and tableware made of plastic or styrofoam, in the country as of January 1, 2027.

Fines for first-time violators will range from AMD 100-150,000 ($266-$400).

The government has pointed to the chronic and long-term environmental damage caused by plastic bags that are used a few times and then discarded.

Backers of the bill maintain that resort areas and tourist spots in the country are polluted with plastic bags and other single-use plastic products.

The bill now goes to the president for signing.