By Belize Live News Staff: The Department of the Environment (DOE), under the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, has ramped up efforts to tackle plastic pollution with the enforcement of Statutory Instrument No. 17 of the 2022 Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastic) Regulations. These regulations target the phased elimination of specific single-use plastic products, replacing them with biodegradable alternatives that comply with Belize Standards.
The banned items include a range of single-use plastics and Styrofoam products commonly used in food packaging, such as plates, clamshell containers, cups, lids, straws, cutlery, and plastic bags (often referred to as T-shirt bags). DOE has raised concerns about unapproved and non-compliant products currently circulating in the market.
To ensure adherence to the regulations, DOE will be conducting random inspections and investigations nationwide to verify that only registered and permitted biodegradable products are being sold or used. Businesses found in violation of Statutory Instrument No. 17 of 2022 will face legal consequences.
The DOE urges cooperation from all stakeholders and emphasizes that its officers will be carrying official government identification during their visits.
For more information, contact the DOE’s Chief Environmental Officer at info@environment.gov.bz or envirodept@environment.gov.bz, or visit the Department of the Environment website.
