Guyana is planning to ban the use of styrofoam. If all goes according to plan, it will be illegal to import or use Styrofoam, popularly used in the food service industry, from the beginning of next year.

In its thrust to promote a green economy and environment, government is moving ahead with plans to ban the importation and use of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam from January 1, 2016.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment has begun implementing a series of measures to address waste management and to promote the utilisation of biodegradable materials. The proposed Expanded Polystyrene Ban Regulation is being finalized before the effective date to ensure the ban is legally reinforced.

Cabinet has already granted approval for the immediate development of a legal framework to implement the ban on the importation and use of polystyrene foam products, as well as a public awareness programme to educate the public on the consequences of its usage and the benefits of the alternatives.

“This decision follows a series of consultations, which were held previously with industry operators, importers and other key stakeholders. However, more consultative sessions are planned for the duration of the year, before the ban fully takes effect in January,” a statement from government said.

“It is hoped that this initiative will see a significant reduction in the effects of polystyrene foam products on solid waste management in Guyana and its negative impact on the environment, while leading to the further development of new enterprises in the alternatives sector. With the ban, Guyana will become one of few countries in the world to ban the product.”

In Guyana, polystyrene foam contributes two to five per cent of the waste stream. The improper disposal of the single use item has been and remains a threat to human health and the wider environment, incurring clean up and disposal costs amounting to millions of dollars, a cost borne by the tax paying public, government said.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment will be collaborating with the Ministries of Business, Legal Affairs, and Finance via the Guyana Revenue Authority, to implement the ban.

(CARIBBEAN360)