Belize clamping down on plastic pollution

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – The Belize government says it is aware of several items that are not approved or permitted as efforts continue to combat plastic pollution in the country.

The authorities say they are seeking to enforce the necessary statutory measures linked to the 2022 Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastic) Regulations.

The regulations aim to phase out specific single-use plastic products and replace them with environmentally friendly alternative products that meet the Belize Standards for Biodegradable Products.

The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, says the regulated items encompass single-use plastics and Styrofoam products, including food plates, clamshell containers, cups, lids, straws, cutlery, and commonly used plastic bags, often referred to as T-shirt bags.

The authorities say they have become aware that there are several brands of items on the market that are not approved or permitted.

“To ensure compliance with these regulations and to support the DOE’s (Department of the Environmen) mission to reduce plastic pollution, inspections/investigations will be conducted at random locations across the country. These inspections/investigations aim to verify that only registered and permitted products are available on the market.”

The DOE said that it is also reminding the public that it is an offence to import, manufacture, sell, or possess these products and that anyone, who is caught violating the law will be prosecuted.

The DOE said it is urging the cooperation of all businesses during this process.

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