Green Milestone: Jamaica to enforce plastic lunch box ban effective June 1

JAMAICA – The Jamaican government will enforce a ban on plastic lunch boxes and personal care products containing microplastic beads from June 1, 2024.

Senator Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, announced this during the State of the Nation Debate in the senate on January 19, 2024.

This proactive measure aligns with the country’s continuous efforts to mitigate plastic pollution. Samuda conveyed, “We have learned from the initial plastic ban and recognize the necessity for comprehensive public education, necessitating ample lead time.”

Additionally, the senator disclosed plans to formulate a national policy for managing single-use plastic products in the upcoming financial year.

He stated, “The Prime Minister has directed the initiation of a program for the separation of plastics and other recyclables within ministries, departments, and agencies in the current fiscal year.”

This announcement follows the government’s earlier statement specifying the ban’s commencement on December 31 of the preceding year.

Simultaneous with the prohibition of plastic lunch boxes, June 1 signifies the deadline for banning personal care products containing plastic microbeads.

Senator Samuda clarified the six-month lead time, underscoring the significance of public awareness and education.

He outlined a forthcoming public education program during this interim period, intending to sensitize the nation to these changes.

He noted also that the authorities will seek to engage with the population “on this important national issue” as the push continues to encourage more Jamaicans to abide by the principles of environment preservation and protection.

The government had previously imposed a ban on importing, manufacturing, and distributing single-use plastic bags, straws, and polystyrene, effective January 1, 2019—a decision Samuda noted has yielded positive outcomes.

Currently, the country collects over 30% of monthly produced plastic bottles, with a target to raise this to no less than 70% monthly through enhanced collection and recycling efforts.

Senator Samuda highlighted Jamaica’s active participation in international negotiations for a legally binding instrument addressing plastic pollution.

In addition to the stated ban, efforts against biodiversity loss and pollution will be reinforced with increased fines under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority and Wildlife Protection Acts. Prime Minister Andrew Holness will provide further details in his Budget Debate presentation.

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