Guyana Government Moves To Stop Importation Of Styrofoam Cups

Category: Connect Created on Wednesday, 20 June 2012 06:30

The Guyana government has announced that it plans to ban imports that are Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable packaging.

This measure will see government moving to introduce legislation that will restrict the importation of goods packaged in Styrofoam and Styrofoam boxes as part of the recently launched “Pick It Up Guyana” environmental initiative.

The administration of says it is preparing legislation that also would restrict the use of certain plastics and aluminium containers, as well as increase littering fines and encourage recycling as it strives to reduce an environmental and solid waste disposal problem across the country.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon stated that this is in addition to a zero-tolerance campaign to be spearheaded by the Tourism Ministry for the non – use of Styrofoam at government sponsored events.

Dr Luncheon says the “Pick It Up Guyana” campaign will also target the tourism and commercial sectors, along with communities country wide

He added that it will also see incentives for the recycling and reuse of Non - Biodegradable material. He added that the campaign will also be enhancing environmental concerns at the level of communities and the retail Sector.

Dr Luncheon stated too that there will be increased penalties for littering along with engagement of civil society and other stakeholders in promoting environmental awareness.

He said the Ministry of Local Government and regional development will work with the office of the president to deal with solid waste collection initiatives.
Members of the opposition-controlled Parliament have said they would support the legislation.

The government also issued a statement last Thursday saying it is also seeking to design and build landfills to control the waste refuge problem in the nation.

The Pick It Up Guyana Campaign was launched on World Environment Day by Natural Resources Environment Minister Robert Persaud and has since been launched in Linden and several other parts of the country.