Chile | Expanded its Law’s Prohibitions Against Single - Use Plastic with New, Strict Regulations

Chile has significantly expanded its law’s prohibition against single - use plastic pollution (Law 21.368) with new, strict regulations taking effect in early 2026. 

The law bans single - use plastic items in restaurants, cafes, and delivery services, requires supermarkets to stock 30% returnable bottles, and mandates certified, compostable alternatives for takeout, targeting over 23.000 tonnes of annual waste.  

The regulation seeks to reduce pollution and move towards a circular economy by limiting the delivery and use of disposable plastic products. 

The measure, in force since February 13, 2026, establishes that food establishments will not be able to deliver single - use within their premises, unless they are made of materials such as cardboard, paper or wood certified and biodegradable. 

Outside the premises, plastics may only be supplied when expressly requested by the consumer and meet recyclability or environmental certification requirements. 

In addition, the regulation requires supermarkets and beverage stores to dispay atless 30% of their products in returnable bottles, as part of efforts to promote reuse and waste reduction.

Key details of the expanded prohibitions: 

•    Dining and Takeout: Restaurants and food outlets are forbidden from using single – use plastic items (cutlery, bowls, cups, lids, stirrers) for on – site dining. Takeout items must be made of non – plastic or certified compostable materials. 
•    Retail and Beverages: Supermarkets and beverages stores must nown display at least 30% of their products in returnable bottles.
•    Certified Plastics: Single – use items marketed as “certified” must meet strict standards: breaking down by at least 90% in home composting within one year or six months in industrial facilities, and containing at least 20% renewable materials. 
•    Timeline and Enforcement: These, the final, most comprehensive regulations, entered into force in February 2026, building on previous restrictions that began in 2022. 
•    Penalties: Municipalities and local police courts are tasked with enforcing the law, with sanctions ranging from 1 to 20 Monthly Tax Units (UTM). 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/chile-amplia-las-prohibiciones-de-su-ley-contra-el-plastico-de-un-solo-uso/