Gov’t to improve plastic bottle recycling programme

Racquel A. McKenzie

3 years ago

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Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Matthew Samuda

The Government of Jamaica has hinted that more plastic bans as well as improvements to Jamaica’s plastic bottle recycling programme are likely to be implemented this year as part of its plan to protect the environment.

 Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda also outlined that other plastic items will now be targeted.

On January 1, 2019, the Government instituted a ban on the importation of expanded polystyrene foam, commonly referred to as ‘Styrofoam’, for use as finished goods in the food and beverage industry, that is, food and beverage containers.

In addition, the local manufacture and distribution of polystyrene foam for use as finished goods in the food and beverage industry was banned as of January 1, 2020.

Furthermore, On January 1, 2021, the importation of straws attached to lunch juice boxes and drink pouches was banned however an extension was granted for six months before the enforcement took place.

Minister also outlined that improvements need to be made in Jamaica’s current recycling programme where plastic bottles are concerned.

“We have started the consultation process although it is not as far along as I’d like it to be in significantly increasing the amount of our plastic bottles that enter the recycling system as opposed to entering the waste stream. We are doing between 12 to 15 percent of the recycling programme. I think it is in the best interest before there is active global pressure to change our consumption pattern ” Minister Samuda outlined