BUFF BAY, Portland — Residents of this community and others nearby now have one more reason to recycle plastic waste. Recycling Partners of Jamaica (RPJ) has broken ground for a redemption centre it intends to build on a quarter-acre of land donated by Lifespan Company Limited. Both sides have also signed a memorandum of understanding for the project which is expected to be completed in 2025.

RPJ Executive Chairman Dr Damien King thanked Lifespan for stepping up to the plate, after previous sites did not pan out.

“Lifespan reached out to us and suggested this possible location and their interest in being a partner. This is the culmination of a long process,” he said during last Thursday’s ceremony on the Lifespan Company grounds in Spring Gardens, Buff Bay.

King said the day’s events were the beginning of things to come, made only possible because of the work already done.

“We have increased the collection of plastic bottles in Jamaica from six per cent when we started to well over 40 per cent, and [we are] on our way to 50 per cent. No other country has made so much progress in such short a time,” he declared.

“This is a happy occasion — we have a new partner who is enthusiastic and in a parish that we wanted to be in,” he added.

Lifespan Company Limited CEO Nayana Williams spoke about the significance of the partnership for Portland, her company, and the environment.

“This centre will provide a much-needed space for the collection of plastic bottles and containers for recycling, which will, in turn, help to reduce plastic waste in our environment, protect the natural beauty of our country, and support a more sustainable future for all,” Williams said.

She warned of the implications of littering.

“Every discarded bottle, every piece of trash left on the roadside, and every clogged drain speaks to a problem that has become all too common in our communities: the problem of littering. If we as citizens do not discard our waste responsibly it will negatively impact the environment by becoming a pollutant. Littering is not just an eyesore; it is a blight on our society that affects us in more ways than one,” said Williams.

She appealed to everyone to practise proper waste disposal.

Pointing out that littering has a negative impact on our health, economy, and quality of life, Williams appealed for a clean environment.

“The establishment of the RPJ redemption centre in Portland is more than just a practical solution to a growing problem, it is a statement of our commitment to making a real difference by supporting this initiative. We are not just talking about change, we are actively participating in it. But, we cannot do it alone. We need each and every one of you — the people of Portland and the rest of Jamaica — to join us in this fight against litter,” she appealed.

“I urge you to support the Recycling Partners of Jamaica by using the redemption centre, spreading the word about proper waste disposal, and participating in local clean-up initiatives. Our actions today will shape the Jamaica of tomorrow,” added Williams.

RPJ General Manager Gairy Taylor told the Jamaica Observer that the budget for the project is not yet complete but he is confident it will come on-stream by early next year.

Executive chairman of Recycling Partners of Jamaica Dr Damien King speaking during last Thursday’s event in Portland where an MOU was signed and ground broken for a redemption centre.

Lifespan Company Ltd CEO Nayana Williams speaking during last Thursday’s signing of an MOU and ground-breaking for the construction of a redemption centre for plastic waste in Buff Bay, Portland.