PURE GRENADA BANS THE IMPORTATION OF POLYSTYRENE (STYROFOAM)

St. George’s, Grenada – 10th September, 2018 – Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean, is making a major shift to ensure that its natural environment is protected and preserved for future generations. The Government of Grenada is implementing a far-reaching Non Biodegradable Waste Control Act, which begins with the complete ban on the importation of polystyrene commonly referred to as ‘Styrofoam’ effective September 1, 2018.

The importation ban will be followed by sale sanctions on ‘Styrofoam’ effective March 1, 2019 and a complete embargo on its use a month later. The Act will also bar all single use plastics such as shopping bags, cutlery, plates, straws and cups by February 1, 2019.

Grenada’s Minister for the Environment, Simon Stiell, described the Non-Biodegradable Waste Control Act as a “progressive legislation which seeks to regulate the use of non-biodegradable products, with a view to reducing the negative environmental impacts and improving the health of Grenadians.”

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) fully supports this move by the Government. CEO of the GTA, Patricia Maher said, “Our brand is Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean. This legislation will greatly assist us in keeping our tri-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique clean and beautiful for citizens as well as visitors.”

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen has always championed the ban on ‘Styrofoam’ and plastics. She said, "Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean is renowned for its naturally beautiful landscape. I am elated that my Government has taken action to contribute to the preservation of our environment for future generations."

The legislation comes on the heels of robust advocacy by the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) and the Grenada Green Group (G3) for a ban on Styrofoam and plastic. Already in Grenada, many hotels, restaurants and stores have transitioned to the use of alternative biodegradable products.

The new Dart collection center, open 24/7.

Polystyrene foam, commonly called "styrofoam" is not recyclable in the Blue Cart.

Happily, the Dart Container Corp has opened a collection center for residents and businesses to recycle it. They accept polystyrene foam in any form except for packing peanuts*. Coolers, cups, foam packing blocks, egg cartons, and clean plates and to-go containers are welcome.

Polystyrene foam can be recycled into some surprising things like picture frames, baseboards, and crown moldings.

Pro tip for packing peanuts: Call your favorite mom and pop shipping store to see if they can reuse your packing peanuts. UPS store no-longer accepts peanuts from residents because they've switched to air pillows.

How to participate

• ensure all your foam pieces have the little triangle with a "6"

• rinse or wipe food from containers

• remove straws, lids, tape - everything that's not PS foam

• put the foam in a transparent bag and seal it

The bag is necessary to keep pieces from floating away and becoming litter.

Businesses with large deliveries should call 773-838-2515 and ask for facilities.

Good to know: Although PS #6 foam is commonly referred to as "styrofoam", it's not styrofoam at all. Styrofoam® is the brand name of an industrial product manufactured by Dow Chemical. Styrofoam was originally adopted in 1942 by the U.S. Coast Guard for use in a six-man life raft.

When and Where:

The Dart Container Corp is located at 7575 S. Kostner Ave. The drop-off dumpster is on the Southeast corner of the building on 76th Street. Look for the sign and big metal cage. Drop-off is available 24/7 rain or shine.