Bahamas: Select plastic laws

Environmental Protection (Control of Plastic Pollution) Act, 2019 (Bahamas)

The Act bans the import, distribution, manufacture, possession, sale, supply, or use of “single use plastic food ware” listed in the attached schedule (Art. 4(1)) and plastic bags including biodegradable and oxo-biodegradable bags (Art. 7(1)).  The list of banned items includes polystyrene cups, polystyrene plates and food ware, plastic knives, forks, spoons, and straws. Art. 4(1) Schedule.

Reusable and compostable items, and plastic that is an integral part of food or drink that is sealed before arriving at the point of sale are exempt. Art. 4. Bags that are compostable, or used for unwrapped food; meat and fish; seeds; medicine; dry cleaning; ice for retail; used for wet umbrellas, etc. are also exempt. Art. 7(2). Compostable bags may be sold for a minimum of twenty-five cents and no more than one dollar per bag, plus VAT. Art. 9.

Release of balloons filled with gas that cause them to rise in the air is also prohibited. Art. 5.

The Act does not limit manufacture of expanded polystyrene for export. Art. 3.