Law 98-25 establishes December 15, 2026, as the deadline for eliminating the free distribution of single-use plastic bags in commercial establishments. This measure is part of a legislative process initiated in 2020 to strengthen solid waste management and reduce environmental pollution
By Maholi Albuez
SANTO DOMINGO. – The regulation of the use of plastic bags in the Dominican Republic is the result of a legislative process that has extended over several years and seeks to reduce waste generation, promote reusable alternatives and establish new responsibilities in the management of disposable materials.
The main precedent for this provision is Law No. 225-20, General Law on Comprehensive Management and Co-processing of Solid Waste, enacted in September 2020. Subsequently, this legislation was amended by Law No. 98-25, enacted on December 15, 2025, which established a new twelve-month period for commercial establishments to stop providing single-use plastic bags free of charge.
To understand the scope of this measure, it is necessary to review the environmental background, the main stages of its legislative journey, and the effects it could have on consumers, businesses, and manufacturers.
An environmental problem that has been accumulating for decades
The accumulation of solid waste is one of the Dominican Republic's main environmental challenges. Urban growth, the consumption of packaged products, and difficulties in collecting, sorting, and reusing waste have contributed to some of the garbage ending up in open dumps, streets, ravines, rivers, and coastlines.
Within this problem, plastic bags occupy an important place due to their frequent use since, in many cases, they are discarded immediately after transporting purchases.
When not disposed of properly, these materials can clog drainage systems, pollute aquatic ecosystems, and degrade public spaces.
However, the problem isn't limited to bags. It also includes bottles, containers, food containers, utensils, and other disposable items that require efficient collection and treatment systems.
For this reason, the reduction of single-use plastics has become increasingly important within waste management policies, along with recycling, reuse and manufacturer responsibility initiatives.
Chronology of regulation: from Law 225-20 to Law 98-25
September 30, 2020: Law 225-20 is enacted
The approval of Law No. 225-20 established a general framework to regulate the comprehensive management of solid waste in the country.
The regulations incorporated provisions aimed at reducing waste generation, promoting its recovery, and establishing responsibilities for the various actors involved.
Regarding plastic bags, the legislation included measures to progressively reduce their distribution and use in commercial establishments, as well as promoting awareness campaigns about recyclable and reusable alternatives.
The law was published in Official Gazette No. 10990, on October 2, 2020.
October 16, 2024: Legislative registration of the reform begins
The Legislative Information System of the Chamber of Deputies identifies this date as the beginning of file no. 03917-2024-2028-CD, related to the project to amend Law 225-20.
The record indicates that the initiative originated in the Senate and was linked to the Environment Committee. It also lists March 18, 2025, as the date of formal submission of the file.
These dates correspond to different records of the legislative system, so they should be distinguished from the time when other proposals related to the regulation of plastics could have been presented.
January 7, 2025: Senate approves amendments
The Senate reported that it urgently approved, in two readings, modifications to Law 225-20, presented by Senators Ramón Rogelio Genao Durán and Ginnette Bournigal de Jiménez.
The proposal was aimed at strengthening the legal framework for solid waste management.
This approval was part of the legislative discussions that preceded the reform. However, to reconstruct the entire process, it is important to distinguish this action from the subsequent revisions and approvals that led to the final text.
November 4, 2025: The Executive Branch observes the reform
In November 2025, the Presidency reported that President Luis Abinader had made observations on the legislation approved by the National Congress.
Among the proposed changes were adaptation periods for certain single-use plastics and foam products, as well as a twelve-month period to begin charging for non-biodegradable plastic bags in commercial establishments.
With these observations, the Executive Branch sought to reconcile the objectives of environmental protection with the conditions of business activity and the availability of substitute products.
Subsequently, on November 17, a special Senate committee formally began studying the observations to continue the legislative review process.
December 15, 2025: Law 98-25 is enacted
Following the review process, Law No. 98-25 was enacted, which amends Law 225-20 and updates provisions related to solid waste management.
The text was published in Official Gazette No. 11222, on December 16, 2025.
Among its provisions is a new twelve-month period for the prohibition of the free distribution of single-use plastic bags covered by the regulation in commercial establishments.
December 15, 2026: Adaptation deadline expires
In accordance with the twelve-month period established in Law 98-25, December 15, 2026 constitutes the deadline set for businesses to stop providing free single-use plastic bags subject to this provision.
During the adaptation period, the regulations include awareness campaigns aimed at promoting the replacement of these covers with recyclable or reusable alternatives.
It is important to clarify that the measure refers to the free delivery of the items covered by the law and does not imply the immediate elimination of all products made with plastic.
Why is there an effort to regulate the distribution of plastic bags?
The main purpose of the measure is to reduce the consumption of disposable bags and contribute to a more efficient management of solid waste.
Free delivery can encourage consumers to accept more bags than necessary, even when purchasing only a few items. Therefore, modifying this practice aims to promote reuse and encourage alternatives that generate less waste.
However, the environmental results will depend on several factors, including the availability of substitutes, how often they are reused, and the capacity of collection, recycling, and disposal systems.
Furthermore, the regulation is part of a broader discussion about single-use products and the responsibility of manufacturers in recovering the materials they put on the market.
In this context, in December 2025 the Government presented the Plastic Reboot project, developed with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility. The initiative has a planned duration of five years and aims to prevent more than 11,000 tons of plastic waste from reaching the environment by changing production and consumption habits and promoting circular economy models.
Consumers, businesses and industry: who will feel the impact?
The implementation of the measure will have implications for different sectors of the economy, although its scope will depend on the conditions of implementation and the availability of alternatives.
Consumers will have to get used to bringing their own bags or purchasing the options available at stores. For families who shop frequently, reusable bags can reduce the need to constantly buy new packaging. However, the price and availability of these products will be key factors in facilitating the transition.
Retail establishments, including supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other businesses, will need to adapt their delivery practices and inform their customers about available alternatives. The transition may also require investments in new packaging and operational adjustments, the impact of which will vary depending on the specific characteristics of each establishment.
The plastics industry. Manufacturers will have to assess how to adapt part of their production to the new regulations. Some companies may invest in reusable bags or alternative materials, while others will need to review their manufacturing processes and markets.
However, without specific data on costs, sales, and jobs associated exclusively with single-use plastic bags, it is not possible to quantify the economic consequences of the regulation or to ensure that it will cause widespread price increases or job losses.
What alternatives exist to replace conventional covers?
Options for transporting purchases include reusable bags made of cloth and other resistant materials, recyclable bags, and paper or cardboard packaging.
There are also plant-based materials, such as sugarcane bagasse and other fibers, that can be used in certain products, provided they meet the applicable requirements.
However, not all packaging options are suitable for every product. Factors such as durability, moisture resistance, food preservation, and hygiene must be considered when selecting packaging.
Therefore, the transition will require not only the availability of substitutes, but also clear information so that consumers and traders can choose options appropriate to their needs.
Law enforcement, the next big challenge
The effectiveness of Law 98-25 will depend largely on the ability of the authorities to guide establishments, monitor compliance with the provisions, and keep the public informed.
It will also be necessary to assess whether the alternatives are available in the different regions of the country and whether their prices allow for affordable adaptation for consumers and small businesses.
Beyond the expiration of the deadline, the main challenge will be to determine whether the reduction of free bags effectively contributes to decreasing waste generation and whether the measure is accompanied by improvements in collection, recycling and final disposal systems.
In short, Law 98-25 represents a new stage in the Dominican Republic's solid waste management policy, whose main antecedent is the legislation approved in 2020. Its impact will depend on whether the legal obligations translate into verifiable changes in consumption habits, business practices, and production processes, with the aim of reducing pollution and moving towards a circular economy model.
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