The Department of Sustainable Development along reminds the public of the start of the phased approach to reducing single-use plastics, beginning in August. This initiative will assist Saint Lucia in reducing the abundance of plastic waste in our environment.

The Styrofoam and Plastics (Prohibition) Act No. 22 of 2019 will take effect on August 1, with a ban on the importation of All Styrofoam® and selected single-use plastic food service containers. Therefore, any Styrofoam® and selected plastic food service containers arriving in Saint Lucia after July 31, 2019, will not be released by the Department of Customs and Excise. The disposal and export of any restricted items arriving after July 31 will be at the expense of the importer. Phase 1, starting Aug. 1, initiates a 12-month phase-out period.

The department encourages persons owning or in charge of businesses to declare their stock of Styrofoam and single-use plastics to the Department of Sustainable Development, as of August 1, 2019. A declaration form is available through the Department of Sustainable Development.

The Styrofoam and Plastics (Prohibition) Act is available for purchase by the public purchase from the National Printing Corporation.

The Minister with responsibility for Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Gale T.C Rigobert continues to be encouraged by the tremendous support for the initiative and welcomes further partnerships to strengthen Saint Lucia’s environmental standards.