Gov't announces six-month grace period for businesses affected by next phase of plastic ban

 

The government on Friday announced that it will grant private sector entities affected by the third phase of the ban on plastics, a six-month grace period.

 

The third phase of the ban will come into effect on January 1. 

 

Environment Minister Pearnel Charles Jr said after the transition and review period, enforcement of the ban will begin, including prosecutions.

 

Addressing a media briefing at Jamaica House on Friday, Mr. Charles outlined the government's expectations of the public and private sectors during the grace period. 

 

"It must be noted that within this period of time, it is expected that the private sector will deplete or replace all affected products currently circulated in the trade. Two, it is expected that they will ensure that the production processes are retrofitted as appropriate to facilitate compliance with the provisions of the ban; and three, the public sector will ramp up its public education and awareness raising activities," he declared.  

 

The third phase of the ban on plastics relates to the importation, distribution, manufacture and use of single-use plastic bags of dimension 24"x24" and below, as well as plastic straws attached to juice boxes or drink pouches.