Work

Optimal inspection (monitoring) and penalty (fine) for plastic bag ban compliance in Nepal

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Several cities in the Global South have implemented a (single-use) plastic bag ban to curb the use of plastic bags. However, these bans are not adequately enforced. Efficient enforcement of the plastic bag ban requires a careful calculation of monitoring and fines for violation of the ban. This paper calculates optimal fines and monitoring for effective enforcement of the plastic bag ban in Nepal. We find at a fine set at NRs 764 per episode of violation, nine out of ten retailers are likely to comply with the ban with the probability of being caught is 82.41%. For consumers, a fine of NRs 222 per episode of violation will ensure eight out of ten comply with the ban with a 74% probability of being caught. Although consumers respond to fines, one in ten still uses single-use plastic bags despite the enforcement measures. More than 90% of retailers comply ban with sufficiently high fines and intense monitoring. Our results highlight municipality can effectively enforce a ban with by a careful combination of fines and monitoring.

Source: Environmental Development

DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2024.101100

Authors: Bishal Bharadwaj, Ujjwal KC, Mukti Nath Subedi

Institutions: Curtin University, Government of Nepal

Language: English

Topic: Regulation and Compliance Studies

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,100