Disposable

In a bid to reduce waste the country produces, a 0.05- to 0.1-euro charge for disposable plastic bags will be introduced at supermarkets next month, the Environment Ministry has announced.

Households' disposable income fell again in the second quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2015, while consumer spending recorded a decline too. In contrast, investments posted a steady rise year-on-year, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) figures showed on Wednesday.

Greece could soon follow the example of other countries in the European Union as the government prepares plans to start charging for disposable plastic carry bags, Ethnos newspaper reports.

A law requiring supermarkets to charge consumers between 5-10 cents per bag is expected to be tabled next year, the report said.

By Sotiris Nikas

The reduction of Greek households’ disposable incomes in 2013 compared with 2012 amounted to a total of 14 billion euros, the biggest since the start of the crisis according to data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).