With the promulgation of the Law 98-25about Comprehensive Management and Co-processing Solid Wastethere is a timer ticking to end free delivery of covers in commercial establishments Dominican Republic.
The regulations, promulgated by the President Luis Abinader on December 15 in modification to the Law 225-20he points out in his article 27: “A new period of twelve months is granted from the entry into force of this law, so that commercial establishments are completely prohibited from providing free bags or plastic covers single use”.
Tentatively, the free period would end on Tuesday December 15, 2026a date when the population gathers in shopping centers due to the Christmas season. During the countdown, the law orders companies to create targeting campaigns to replace its use with covers either recyclable bags or reusable and reduce the consumption of plastic covers.
The objective of the legal mandate is to reduce the accumulation of waste and improve the urban cleaningwhile promoting new economic opportunities in the field of environmental management and recycling.
![[object HTMLTextAreaElement]](https://resources.diariolibre.com/images/2026/01/03/whatsapp-image-2025-10-10-at-93940-am-b837af12-0801350c.jpeg "Law 98-25: In 2026, covers will no longer be free in supermarkets")
Before this new guideline existed, October 2025 was the deadline for this prohibition, as stipulated in article 172 of the Law 225-2enacted on October 2, 2020. However, it was not taken into account because, since last July, the piece was taken to the legislative chambers for modification.
Another approaching deadline establishes that, within 60 days After the promulgation, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MMARN) must prepare the complete text of the National Plan Comprehensive Management of Waste (Plangir) in digital version. Article 33 establishes a period of 12 months for the mayors and boards municipalities submit their respective plans waste management to the MMARN.
Guidelines that run from January 1
Since the midnight cannon shot last Thursday, January 1, 2026, the marketing of manufactured straws or sorbets, forks, knives and spoons, as well as products made of polystyrene (foam) that do not present biodegradability certification, was prohibited.
From that date, it was established that mayors and boards municipalities will receive a monthly allowance of 20 pesos for each inhabitant for the exclusive management of waste. Districts with 5,000 inhabitants or less are guaranteed a minimum fee of 100,000 pesos per month.
For these purposes, the last national census will be taken into account. The Executive Branch will issue within 60 days a regulation with the requirements that local governments must meet to receive the resources, among them the so-called Municipal Plan of Comprehensive Management of Waste (Pmgir) duly approved by the Ministry of Environment.
Longer terms and penalties
Likewise, within 24 monthslocal producers must present an eco-friendly and biodegradable alternative to replace foam plates and trays, as stipulated in paragraph II of the article 27.
The 28th gives the mayors and boards districts a maximum period of 36 months to progressively implement its waste separation and collection programs throughout the area of its jurisdiction.
And set a timer 48 months to close all existing open landfills in the Dominican Republic.
- The violation contemplates, in extreme cases, fines until three thousand salaries minimum or until disqualification from activities for two years.
Complaints
With the promulgation of the Law 98-25, business unions They complained because the regulations affect their economic activities, so they requested to prepare a piece of more consensus.
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