Environment Ministry drafts curbs on single-use plastic: obligations for bars, restaurants and hotels

The Ministry of Environment has drafted a decision that changes how single-use packaging is used in Albania, with measures starting on Feb. 12, 2028, and continuing through 2030. The stated aim is to align Albanian legislation with European Union rules on packaging and packaging waste.

Deadlines for businesses

Under the draft, from Feb. 12, 2028, food service businesses, except micro-enterprises, will be required to offer customers reusable packaging alternatives within a reuse system. A year later, from Feb. 12, 2029, customers will be able to use their own cups for coffee and other drinks, and venues will have to accept them when they meet hygiene conditions, without charging a higher price. Most of the restrictions are expected to take effect on Jan. 1, 2030.

What is affected

For bars and restaurants, the goal is to reduce single-use plastic cups, plates, trays and food boxes for food and drinks consumed on the premises, including outdoor areas. The rules will also extend to plastic packaging for small portions of sugar, sauces, spices and coffee creamer, while exemptions are foreseen for certain cases, such as special hygienic and medical needs.

In hotels, the restrictions will cover single-use personal hygiene products such as shampoos, lotions and soaps packaged for a single stay. The changes will also be felt in supermarkets, in plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables.

The document is still a draft decision, and it has not been made known when it will be adopted or whether it will change before adoption.