On 1 May 2012 the neighbourhoods of Havendale, Karachi and Whitfield Town in Kingston / Jamaica became part of the island-nation’s first-ever pilot project to encourage residents to separate plastics waste from other garbage. Organised by the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA, Kingston / Jamaica; www.nswma.gov.jm), the project will be carried out over the next six months with the aim of assessing the willingness of citizens to separate plastic containers and to gather sufficient data to launch a nationwide programme in 2013.

According to local media reports, Noel Arscott, minister of local government and community development, said the project would not only assist in reducing the amount of plastic sent to landfill, but also create a new sense of respect for the environment while simultaneously reducing the island’s carbon footprint. Arscott also reportedly said the government is looking into biodegradable packaging materials.

As part of the project, residents of the three neighbourhoods will receive specially marked bags to sort the plastic waste, which will be collected twice a month. The pilot programme will also be accompanied by sensitisation projects as well as awareness campaigns in different communities. A special focus will be given to schools, to educate children on how to separate plastics from other waste.