The Plastic Waste Reduction Bill was passed in parliament on March 21^st, 2025. Section five (5) of the legislation, entails a phased ban on single use plastics.

This is Permanent Secretary in the Department of Environment, Ms. Colincia Levine:

Phase 1 is now complete, as of Monday, March 31^st, 2025, where the sale and distribution of t-shirt shopping bags are now prohibited.  Previously, the importation of this item was banned on December 31^st, 2024.

Phase 2, will begin on April 30^th, 2025, where the importation of Styrofoam Food Containers and Plastic Straws will be restricted, while the selling and distributing of these items will be barred on July 31^st, 2025.

On August 31^st 2025, the last phase will begin and the Importation of Single Use Plastic Cups, Utensils and Plates will no longer be allowed. The ban will be completed on November 30^th, 2025 where the sale and distribution of the aforementioned items will be capped.

Furthermore, Special Advisor to the Premier, and host of the “On Point” Program, Hon. Alexis Jeffers, shared this statement on the alternatives:

Hon. Alexis Jeffers.