Basseterre, Saint Kitts (SKNIS): The Federal Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis successfully passed the historic Plastic Waste Reduction Bill, 2025, to regulate and limit single-use plastic production and distribution. This implementation represents a crucial move to combat plastic pollution, which threatens marine life, terrestrial ecosystems and human health along with the nation’s waste management systems.
Parliamentarians demonstrated substantial bipartisan support for the Bill displaying a shared dedication to environmental protection and public health preservation.
The Honourable Dr Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, gave a passionate speech in Parliament to underline the urgent importance of this legislation.
“Why are we here today: to protect people, planet and livelihoods,” stated Minister Clarke.
More than two years of comprehensive consultations and stakeholder engagement together with research and policy development, led to the passage of this Bill. Dr. Clarke recognized that the initiative started before her time in office while expressing appreciation for her predecessor the Member for Nevis 10, who supported the initiative starting in 2021.
“The issue of plastic waste in Saint Kitts and Nevis is not only environmental – it’s economic,” Minister Clarke stated. “From the scrap metal in our landfill to the bottle caps on our beaches, we are being forced to rethink how we consume and dispose. This new legislation propels us into a circular economy model where reuse, regeneration, and sustainability form the bedrock of development.”
Section Five (5) of the Bill describes a phased strategy which facilitates an easy adjustment process for both citizens and businesses. Implementation started in December 2024, when authorities prohibited the importation of t-shirt plastic shopping bags. From March 31, 2025, businesses must stop distributing and selling those plastic shopping bags. The importation of Styrofoam containers along with egg crates and single-use plastic straws will become illegal by 30 April 2025, and distribution of these products will be banned by July 2025. All single-use plastic plates, cups, and cutlery will be eliminated by November 2025.
Minister Clarke explained that both evidence and community feedback have extensively guided the legislative process. A 2019, national coastal clean-up was an eye-opener for many. The result saw more than 3,000 plastic pieces and over 3,600 bottles collected from shorelines which highlighted the magnitude of the issue. Local businesses together with community members displayed a strong desire to find solutions.
The decision supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as Climate Action (SDG13), Life below Water (SDG14), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12) along with others.
Dr. Clarke said that the Ministry of Sustainable Development together with the Solid Waste Management Corporation and the Parks and Beaches Unit will direct the implementation process while receiving assistance from partners including the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Taiwan ICDF Programme.
Saint Kitts and Nevis now join a growing global movement to reduce plastic pollution and promote a zero-waste, sustainable future. Citizens are encouraged to support the transition by adopting eco-friendly practices and preparing to phase out single-use plastics in their daily lives.