In a few days, on January 1, a ban on expanded polystyrene, commonly called Styrofoam, is to become effective.The ban is expected to affect several importers and food establishments which have been depending on the boxes and containers as a cheap alternative to food containers.Some of the bio-degradable alternatives to Styrofoam.The ban has been in the making for a number of years now with the deadline pushed back time and again.Consecutive Governments have complained that Styrofoam has been a major solid waste problem, with canals and waterways backing up because of illegal dumping by citizens.To compound matters, Styrofoam is not bio-degradable, proving a headache for administrative bodies across the country struggling with severe garbage issues.Government has gazetted subsidiary legislation-: The Environmental Protection (Expanded Polystyrene Ban) Regulations.The legislations explained that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be the entity to implement the ban with Syrofoam-made food containers, plates, hot and cold beverage cups, meat and vegetable trays and egg cartons to be prohibited from being imported, manufactured or distributed locally.The legislations when it comes into effect will apply to all food service establishments operating in Guyana.The legislations make it clear that any person or entity found to be in contravention (importation or manufacturing) could face fines of no less than $50,000.The minister, in charge,Kyle Wiltjer Jersey, will have powers to make amendments in the public interests, for the importation, manufacturing and sale of expanded polystyrene products.Of course, if an establishment has food for sale that is filled and sealed from elsewhere in Styrofoam containers, it will be allowed.Guilty food establishments found possessing and selling food in the Styrofoam containers will be served warning them and could face fines from a summary conviction upwards of $100,000.EPA or authorized persons from the Director of Public Prosecutions can bring prosecutions in a court of summary jurisdiction, the gazetted legislations said.EPA is expected to work with stakeholders to promote use of recyclable, biodegradable and other environmentally friendly products, it was recommended.One of the many problems caused by Styrofoam.In recent months, Government has been pushing for especially bio-degradable containers as an alternative for Styrofoam.Earlier this month, at the Square of the Revolution, Georgetown, there was a public awareness session ahead of the January 1st ban.The EPA will collaborate with the Ministries of Legal Affairs and Finance, via the Guyana Revenue Authority, to implement the Styrofoam ban.EPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Indarjit Ramdass, had noted that there will be panel discussions, presentations, radio ads and TV programmes among other activities in order to bring more awareness.With respect to alternative products, Dr. Ramdass said that the agency is promoting 100 percent bio-degradable and ‘compostable’ plant fibre-based products that meet ASTM D6868 standards. This specification covers biodegradable plastics and products (including packaging), where plastic film or sheet is attached (either through lamination or extrusion directly onto the paper) and the entire product or package is designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities.The alternative must also be certified by the Bio-degradable Products Institute (BPI), Dr. Ramdass said.The containers to be allowed by the EPA include aluminium, glass and recyclable plastic and paper.Speaking on behalf of the private sector at the event, Chairman of the Trade and Investment Sub-Committee, Ramesh Dookoo, had noted that the private sector is a friend of the environment.“You can do nothing in today’s business world without considering the environment and factor in the cost of protecting the environment in your business plan,” he said.He added that the private sector welcomes the initiative and hopes that the success of the exhibition will bring some ease and confidence to the next phase for importers and small businesses that have depended heavily on Styrofoam importation and its use and distribution.Dookoo also warned against not putting measures to stop illegal importation of Styrofoam. “Let us not be caught in a dilemma like our Caricom sister, Haiti, who has banned Styrofoam for two consecutive years and yet it is still one of the worst environmental issues in the country.“We have to put mechanisms in place to deter illegal importation, and ensure all stakeholders in the industry are aware of the proposed national standards for Styrofoam,” he advised.Styrofoam accounts for two percent of municipal garbage in Georgetown. It takes some 500 years to decompose.At least one major manufacturing company, Caribbean Containers Inc. (CCI) has started introducing bio-degradable containers, ahead of the ban. But its popularity is still to take a firmer footing.CCI’s sales are expected to make a dramatic change, for the better, in the coming days.
