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The Jamaican private sector will have an additional six months from July 1 to use up its existing stocks of single-use plastic food containers, said Senator Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.
The new deadline is intended to ease the transition period as companies can take orders until July.
A total ban on single-use plastics
Effective July 1, 2024, Jamaica will strictly prohibit the importation, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastic food containers made from polyethylene, polypropylene or polylactic acid (PLA).
However, the regulation temporarily exempts transparent plastic lids until suitable environmentally friendly alternatives can be found.
The ban was initially planned to be implemented earlier, but its effective date was postponed in order to listen to feedback from stakeholders and perfect the necessary administrative procedures.
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Ongoing Efforts and Future Expansion
The move is the fourth phase of a ban on certain single-use plastics and demonstrates the government’s determination to protect public health and the environment.
The next phase will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will extend the ban to personal care and cosmetics containing intentionally added plastic microbeads or microplastics.
Engage communities and stakeholders
To support this phase, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) will launch a nationwide public education campaign in conjunction with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.
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The event will identify regulated products and highlight the goal of significantly reducing plastic pollution, particularly in the marine environment.
Senator Samuda stressed the importance of collaborative support from stakeholders in various fields, including the private sector and civil society, to protect the environment and public health from the adverse effects of plastic waste.
Proactive government engagement and policy development
Preparatory work at this stage included consultations with key stakeholders such as relevant ministries, departments and agencies through technical working groups, as well as direct interaction with private sector representatives.
The Government plans to continue this proactive approach to encourage public participation and ensure full public involvement in environmental governance.
In addition, the government recognises the wider issue of plastic waste management and is developing an overarching policy to guide all relevant activities and public behaviour towards a sustainable solution.
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