Government revives 2018 plastic-ban plan

More than seven years after a green light from Cabinet, the government is moving ahead with two long-delayed measures to curb plastic waste: a ban on certain single-use plastics and a deposit-return system for beverage containers.

Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley on Monday announced a national consultation on the two proposals, which he described as “key actions” aimed at reducing plastic trash and expanding recycling across the territory.

“From our beaches and reefs to our ghuts and neighbourhoods, the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands sustains our health, our livelihoods and our tourism economy,” Mr. Wheatley said. “Yet every day, plastic waste places growing pressure on our land, our seas and our waste management systems.”

He also pointed to other impacts residents are routinely seeing from the problem.

“When drains and ghuts are blocked, flooding increases,” he said. “When plastics enter our marine environment, our reefs, fisheries and coastlines suffer. When waste is burned or dumped illegally, public health is put at risk.”

Mr. Wheatley described the two proposals as urgent, though he did not mention that Cabinet approved both in 2018 under the government of then-premier Dr. Orlando Smith

“Given our topography, we do not have unlimited space for waste, nor can we afford to ignore challenges that directly affect our environment, economy and our quality of life,” Mr. Wheatley said. “Over time, inaction becomes more costly for everyone, especially for our children and the next generation of leaders.”

Old plans, new push

The minister also provided more details about the envisioned implementation of the two proposals.

“The first is the phased reduction of certain single-use plastics that are commonly littered and difficult to manage throughout the territory,” he said. “Time will also be allowed for businesses to transition and ensure exemptions for essential medical, disability and food-safety needs.”

The second proposal, he said, is a container deposit-return system for beverage containers — a model used in many countries to reduce litter and increase recycling.

Both proposals track closely with a plan approved by Cabinet in November 2018, which included implementing a similar deposit-refund system and banning non-biodegradable plastic bags along with certain food and drink containers made of non-compostable materials such as Styrofoam and other plastics.

At the time, Cabinet directed the Attorney General Chambers to draft legislation for passage in the House of Assembly.

The legislation, however, never reached the House despite periodic promises from successive governments.

In the 2020 Speech from the Throne, for instance, government said it would “move forward” a Plastic Litter Reduction and Container Deposit Bill. The bill was also promised in the 2022 Speech from the Throne, but it was not mentioned in subsequent Throne speeches.

Policy framework

HSD Permanent Secretary Tasha Bertie told the Beacon on Tuesday that the bill was delayed by a series of challenges.

Following Cabinet’s approval in 2018, she explained, drafting instructions were submitted to the Attorney General Chambers.

“During this process, the AG’s Chambers requested additional information and clarification to support the drafting of the proposed law,” Ms. Bertie stated. “At that time, there was no formal policy framework in place to guide the initiative, and, consequently, further foundational work was required.”

The ministry, she added, therefore worked with the non-profit organisation Green VI to develop a comprehensive policy to inform the planned legislation.

“This step was essential to ensure that any future measures would be well-structured, sustainable and effectively implemented,” Ms. Bertie stated. “Additionally, during the Covid-19 pandemic, a significant portion of the ministry’s resources had to be redirected to managing the public health emergency, which contributed to delays.”

Nevertheless, the PS stated, the ministry has persevered with the initiative. She added that related measures approved by Cabinet in 2018 are also still on the table.

“These initiatives are incorporated into the current policy framework, which goes further by defining the scope, implementation process, timelines and enforcement mechanisms associated with them,” Ms. Bertie stated.

No policy document has been released to the public, but HSD Ministry Deputy Secretary Greg Massicote told the Beacon Wednesday that the ongoing consultation is “focused on the development and finalisation of the policy framework for the initiative.”

Weighing in

As part of the ongoing consultation, the public can weigh in on the proposed ban through March 9, according to Mr. Wheatley.

“This national consultation is designed to educate the community on practical, proven measures to reduce plastic waste and strengthen recycling across the territory,” he said. “It will also facilitate meaningful dialogue by allowing your recommendations to help shape the final legislation.”

Mr. Wheatley urged residents to read the consultation document and provide input.

“This consultation is expected to be about partnership,” he said. “The voices of residents, businesses, community organisations and young people matter.”

Ms. Bertie described the consultation as an important step in developing practical and sustainable environmental policy.

“As a ministry, we are committed to developing solutions that are environmentally responsible, financially sustainable, and workable for residents and businesses alike,” she said in a press release. “This consultation allows us to test proposals, identify challenges early and ensure that any eventual policy and legislation is supported by strong systems and clear guidance.”

She added that the consultation will also examine operational matters such as collection logistics, costs, public convenience and the role of private-sector partners.

Public input, she said, is crucial in designing a system that is accessible, efficient and fair.

Want to weigh in?

The consultation period, which opened Monday, will run through March 9.

Residents can provide feedback by contacting the Ministry of Health and Social Development at [email protected].