Members of the Environmental Commission paved the way for a bill that seeks to ban the free distribution of plastic bags in stores.
The legislators unanimously rejected 20 motions imposed by the Libertarian Movement, which had obstructed the progress of the initiative.
The proposal seeks to amend the Law for Waste Management in order to significantly reduce the availability of disposable plastic bags.
Store owners would have five years to adjust to change and offer alternatives to their customers, or they will receive a fine of 20 to 100 base salaries.
Edgardo Araya, head of Frente Amplio and proponent of the initiative, recalled that plastic bags do not disappear in nature and that the problem affects all continents and individuals.