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Barbados bans single-use plastics

Published:Wednesday | November 6, 2019 | 9:35 AM
CMC photo

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Effective January 1, 2020, the ban on single-use, petroleum-based plastic packaging, containers and utensils will be implemented.

According to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey, retailers are urged to remove those items by January 1.

He said that so far, most retailers have been complying with the pending legislation and local bag manufacturers were already producing more environmentally friendly bags.

“The manufacturers of plastic bags have been able to make a natural organic resin-based plastic bag, so we know they are ready. We know we are doing this for a reason, and most Barbadians and business people now appreciate and understand it,”  he said.

The ban will see products such as petro-based single-use plastic cups; cutlery including plastic knives, forks and spoons; stirrers; straws; plates; egg trays (both plastic and Styrofoam); and Styrofoam containers used in the culinary retail industry being prohibited.

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