Change in Plastic Bag Refusal Rates at Convenience Stores following the Implementation of a Charging System:

Abstract

Two observational surveys on the behavior of convenience store shoppers in Sapporo were conducted to investigate the effects of a charging system for plastic bags provided at registers implemented in July 2020. Specifically, Survey 1 aimed to examine: S1-1) How did behaviors change after the implementation of the charging system? and S1-2) Was there a difference in the refusal rates for plastic bags between the shops with the charging system and those without? Meanwhile, Survey 2 focused on S2). Could characteristics of those buying plastic bags after the charging system was implemented be identified? Study 1 was conducted from June through August 2020 and 554 samples were obtained, revealing a substantial difference in the refusal rates for plastic bags between the shops implementing a charging system and those without one. Study 2 was conducted in September 2020. The 4289 samples obtained revealed purchasing pattern characteristics related to plastic bag refusal rates: a) The number of people who brought reusable shopping bags was low overall; b) The refusal rate was lower for shoppers who bought bento (box lunch) or packed bowls/dishes than for those who bought other products; and c) The refusal rate was lower when the clerks asked whether a plastic bag was required or not.