Recycling Partners of Jamaica calls on Jamaicans to “Sort It Out”
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaicans are being urged to participate in the fight to end plastic pollution in Jamaica by joining the Recycling Partners of Jamaica (RPJ) for its “Sort It Out: Clean Up Jamaica, One Bottle at a Time,” initiative on March 18 at its Naggo Head Depot in Portmore, St Catherine.
The initiative is set to take place on Global Recycling Day seeks to promote plastic waste separation and increase public participation in recycling.
“Recycling is not just about waste management – it’s about securing Jamaica’s ecological and economic future. Every bottle we recycle reduces pollution, conserves resources, and supports environmental responsibility,” said RPJ Chairman Dr Damien King.
He also highlighted the long-run economic benefits of engaging only in sustainable economic activities, pointing out that improper disposal of plastic is not sustainable.
The Naggo Head Depot event will feature a corporate sorting competition, where teams compete to properly separate plastic bottles by type and colour. RPJ will also be accepting plastic bottle drop-offs throughout the day, offering incentives to encourage participation.
The top three plastic recovery vendors of 2024 will also be recognised for their contributions to national recycling efforts. Their commitment has helped Jamaica move closer to its 50 per cent plastic recovery target for 2025.
King warned of the consequences of inaction: “Every plastic bottle discarded irresponsibly contributes to flooding, marine pollution, and environmental damage. The solution is simple – ‘Sort It Out’ and recycle responsibly,” he urged.
King reinforced the need for sustained action beyond Global Recycling Day, stating: “While we are excited for the activities planned on 18 March, we must remember that recycling is not a one-day effort. It must become part of our culture, our daily lives, and our responsibility as citizens of Jamaica.”
Jamaica faces a growing plastic pollution crisis, with plastic bottles making up 15 per cent of the country’s plastic waste, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Despite the impressive efforts Jamaicans, which have boosted plastic collection rates beyond 40 per cent, urgent action is still needed.
