Styrofoam and Plastics Phase-out Reminder

THE Department of Sustainable Development is reminding the general public of the phased approach to reduce single-use plastic which took effect on August 1st, 2019.

This phased approach is enforced by the Styrofoam and Plastics (Prohibition) Act No. 22 of 2019 enacted August 1, 2019, which supports 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 31st, 2019, will not be released by the Department of Customs and Excise. The disposal and export of any restricted items arriving after July 31, 2019 will be at the expense of the importer.

We further encourage persons owning or in charge of businesses to declare their stock of Styrofoam and single-use plastics to the Department of Sustainable Development on the prescribed declaration forms. These forms can be obtained from the Department’s office at Georgiana Court on the John Compton Highway in Castries.

Additionally, as of August 1, 2020, the second phase of the single-use plastic reduction will begin. Phase 2 will restrict the manufacturing, sale, distribution and use of items prohibited in phase 1. Also, on August 1st, 2020, a ban on the importation of other single-use plastics food service containers as well as Styrofoam egg cartons will take effect. The full listing of the items being prohibited as of August 1st, 2020 is available in schedule B of the Act.

Alternatives to Styrofoam are available from various local retailers, distributors and wholesalers made from paper, bamboo, bagasse and other materials.

Minister with responsibility for Sustainable Development Dr Gale T.C Rigobert continues to be encouraged by the continued support and passion demonstrated by members of the public on this initiative and welcomes further partnerships to strengthen Saint Lucia’s environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives.

The Act is available to the public on the National Printing Cooperation’s website. For more information please contact the Department of Sustainable Development.