The Puebla City Council is set to enforce a ban on plastic bags in local businesses once again, with fines reaching up to two million pesos for those who fail to comply. This move, announced by Karina Romero, head of the Secretariat of Urban Development, marks a return to environmental regulations paused during the COVID-19 pandemic due to health concerns.

Romero clarified that by the end of 2026, the city will begin imposing economic sanctions on merchants who continue distributing plastic bags. To prepare for this, the municipal government has already launched an awareness campaign aimed at both consumers and business owners, encouraging a shift toward sustainable alternatives like cloth bags.

The policy, originally approved under former Mayor Claudia Rivera’s administration, is being revived with a focus on collaboration. The current government is working closely with business chambers and commercial leaders to ensure a smooth transition. “During the pandemic, plastic use was necessary, so the ban was temporarily halted, but now we are resuming it,” Romero explained.

Key points to know about the ban and its enforcement:
– Businesses will have a six-month grace period to deplete existing plastic bag inventories and adjust sales practices.
– Fines will range from 20 to 20,000 Units of Measurement and Update (UMA), depending on the severity of the violation.
– The goal is not to penalize abruptly but to educate and promote sustainable habits aligned with global environmental trends.

This initiative reflects Puebla’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and fostering a culture of sustainability, a crucial step for a city balancing growth with ecological responsibility. For residents and entrepreneurs alike, the upcoming changes signal a clear message: the era of plastic bags is coming to an end in Puebla.