Making Antigua and Barbuda Styrofoam Free

Making Antigua & Barbuda
“Styrofoam-Free”
Come Join Us:
Open House / Showcase
Friday, June 30th, 2017 @ 9am—3pm
Venue:
39ers Square
Ministry of Health Headquarters
( l ower High St )
Activities will include: “ Styrofoam ” breakdown Demo
STAGE 1:
July 1st—December 31st, 2017
Ban on importation and use of food service containers to include: clamshell hinge-lid
containers, hotdog containers, bowls, plates, hot and cold beverage cups, lids and caps and
ALL other containers made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) .
Composting Demo
For more information
contact:
Ministry of Health & the Environment
462—5522
https://www.facebook.com/
investingforwellness
OR
AandBEnviron
Department of Environment
562—2568
(See FAQ on Back)
There is a 6 month “Phasing Out” period to deplete the stock of “Banned” products
during each stage

“ S tyrofoam” Ban
FAQ
( F requently Asked Questions )
1. Why is placing a ban on “ Styrofoam ” important and beneficial to Antigua & Barbuda?
“ S tyrofoam ” poses a possible health concern as it contains a carcinogenic compound called
“ s tyrene ” . “ Styrene” leaks or leaches once exposed to heat, which includes hot food and liquids. Therefore,
this ban on “ Styrofoam ” helps to reduce the possible risk of dangerous health effects in Antigua &
Barbuda. It also cannot be composted and it can take over 500 years to break down in the natural environment.
It is lightweight and can easily be transmitted through the air and into the ocean. Birds and marine
animals often mistake the broken bits of “ Styrofoam ” which results in a negative impact on animal life.
2. What are some of the alternatives that can be used?
Alternatives are usually made from biologically grown products. The Government of Antigua & Barbuda
has approved a list of renewable alternatives that is listed below:
Bagasse
Cardboard / Paper
PLA Corn Starch ( NON-GMO ) Areca Palm
Wheat Straw
Potato Starch
Bamboo
3. Will these alternatives products be subsidized?
Yes. All alternative products listed for approval would be Tax-Free
4. When will the “ Styrofoam ” ban take effect?
The ban will be implemented in stages commencing on July 1st, 2017. The final stage will be
completed on January 1 st 2019.
5. Will there be a phasing out period on current stock of “ Styrofoam ” food containers?
Yes. There is a 6 month “ Phasing Out ” period to deplete the stock of “ Banned ” products
during each stage.
6. Who will the ban be extended to?
The ban will be extended to All businesses within the food service and catering industry. This includes:
large and small supermarkets, food vendors and grocery stores.
7. Are there any Exemptions to the ban?
Yes. Airline Carriers, Private Airline Charters and Passenger Cruise Vessel will be Exempt until further
notice.
8. Where can I get more information?
For more information contact the Ministry of Health and the Environment @ 462-5522 or the
Department of Environment ( DoE ) @ 562-2568
Visit us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/investingforwellness
https://www.facebook.com/AandBEnviron