Bermuda Tables Single-Use Plastics Ban Legislation

A long-awaited Bill designed to stamp out single-use plastic pollution was tabled in Parliament today, eight years after it was first promised.

However, no plastic items will be banned until after the legislation is passed and consultations take place, said JachéAdams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment.

He said the Single-Use Plastics Act 2026 would take a phased approach to implementation and items such as plastic bags, straws, food packaging, water bottles and cutlery would not be banned until consultations had taken place.

The Minister emphasized the importance of public engagement in shaping the final regulations and ensuring that the transition away from single-use plastics is smooth and effective.

Environmental groups have welcomed the move, highlighting the significant impact that reducing plastic waste will have on Bermuda's marine and terrestrial ecosystems.