Antigua and Barbuda: Select plastic laws

Plastic

 

Plastic and Styrofoam bans

The External Trade (Shopping Plastic Bags Production) Order, 2017, bans the import, distribution, sale, and use of plastic bags. Art. 3. The law exempts aa list of plastic bags including bread wrapping, wrap for fresh meat and fish, primary packaging, medicine, laundry dry cleaning, waste disposal, etc. Schedule.

The External Trade (Import Prohibition) Order, 2017 (Statutory Instrument No. 44, 2017) bans the import of food service containers made of expanded polystyrene (“styrofoam”), straws, utensils, fruit/vegetable/meat trays, egg cartons, and make polystyrene coolers with exceptions for airline carriers, airline charters, and cruise ships.

Litter Control and Prevention Act

The Litter Control and Prevention Act, 2019, makes it an offence to litter in any public place. Art. 17(1). A violation of this provision could result in a fine of three thousand dollars or up to one-year imprisonment for an individual; or fifteen thousand dollars for a corporate body. Art. 17(2). It is a violation to possess a single-use shopping bag or banned polystyrene items. Art. 26. A violation of this provision could result in a fine of three thousand dollars or up to six months of imprisonment. Id. The Act requires persons visiting the beach to properly dispose of waste. Art. 29. A violation of this provision could result in a fine of one thousand dollars or up to six months of imprisonment. Id. Vendors must provide receptacles for waste generated from their business. Art. 30. A violation of this provision could result in a fine of one thousand dollars or up to six months of imprisonment. Id.

“A person who assists with or provides information leading to the detection, apprehension or conviction of any person who commits an offence under this Act is eligible for a reward.” Art. 32.