Starting April 1, 2026, most public institutions in Georgia will no longer be allowed to purchase plastic cups, containers, or bottles of up to three liters. The restriction is part of a new environmental regulation aimed at reducing plastic waste and encouraging the use of more sustainable alternatives.
Although the ban applies to all state-funded bodies, the government has made a notable exception for the Ministry of Defense. According to the decree, the military is allowed to continue purchasing plastic bottles under three liters for operational and logistical needs, as well as for servicing military personnel. This means the army can still use bottled water and other beverages in plastic packaging, while civilian agencies must switch to eco-friendly materials such as glass.
Beyond this exception, almost the entire public sector falls under the ban. The restriction covers ministries, municipalities, public schools and universities, and state-owned enterprises where the government holds more than 50% ownership.
The regulation also applies to organizations funded through foreign grants and loans obtained under international agreements. In practice, this means that virtually all civilian public bodies must phase out plastic items and transition to more sustainable procurement standards within the next year.
