Deadline looms for single-use plastics policy submissions
The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged the public to provide their thoughts on a proposed ban on single-use plastics before the end of the month.
The Government released a policy paper on the proposal this summer, with the deadline for comments on October 31.
The paper proposes a list of items to be regulated including styrofoam products, plastic bags and utensils, plastic water bottles, single-service condiment sachets and plastic-lined paper cups and food containers.
The ministry has said the final list of items to be regulated in the initial legislation will not be decided until after public consultation is complete and the feedback has been analysed.
The policy paper proposes that the ban would begin with rules to prevent the importation of specific products next year.
After a period of time to allow any stock on-island to be used, the sale and distribution of the products would be banned in 2022 or 2023.
To view the documents and share your comments, suggestions, or concerns on the planned timetable and scope of the proposed legislation on regulating single-use plastics in Bermuda, please visit bit.ly/bdasingleuseplastic.
The Policy Paper on regulating single-use plastics in Bermuda proposed a wide range of items including plastic bags – although the paper said careful consideration must be given to the “definition and scope” of a bag ban.
The list also includes:
· Styrofoam products, including food service containers, hot and cold beverage cups and egg cartons.
· Plastic utensils, including cups, lids, straws and stirrers.
· Plastic trays, including those used by grocers for fruit, meat and vegetables.
· Plastic water bottles – with possible exceptions for large plastic water bottles that are returned and refilled.
· Single-serving “food sachets” used for condiments.
· Plastic-lined paper cups and food containers.
· Products containing micro-plastics, such as industrial abrasives used in sandblasting and facial scrubs with micro-beads.
· Single-use beverage pods, such as Keurig cups.
· Plastic-stemmed cotton buds.
· Oxo-degradable plastic and biodegradable plastic.
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