Jamaica to ban single-use plastic bags, straws by 2019

Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The Jamaican government this week announced a ban on plastic bags, straws and polystyrene foam set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2019, becoming the latest nation to strongly restrict the use of single-use products known to have ill effects on the environment.

Daryl Vaz, Jamaica's Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, said the move is part of an international effort to reduce pollution that has plagued the island nation in recent years.

"We're moving towards a ban on single-use plastic, but while we do so, we're also working on a Plastic Minimisation Project in collaboration with United Nations Environment, and with the support of the Government of Japan, to reduce and manage plastic marine litter from the land-based activities, in an environmentally sound matter," he said, according to the Jamaica Observer.

The ban on plastic bags will include a ban on the importation, manufacturing and distribution of single-use plastic bags with dimensions at or below 24 inches by 24 inches.

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