Survey of state laws banning the use of conventional plastic bags in Brazil and their similarities

Abstract

Many countries have created laws limiting some plastic-based products, such as conventional bags, but Brazil does not have a federal law to this effect, leaving only state regulations. In this perspective, the study aimed to identify and analyze which Brazilian states have passed laws restricting the use of plastic bags, verifying their differences and similarities. The article was developed by mapping the state laws, categorizing them based on their respective texts for subsequent analysis using multivariate statistical methods. Only 12 of Brazil's 27 states have passed laws banning the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, half of which address the restrictions more broadly with at least two provisions, while the others are limited to just one. It was noted that some laws have more educational instruments to the detriment of others with more coercive measures. Therefore, it was observed that many states continue to show no concern about the impacts of this material, and there are significant differences between those that already exist.