Guyana examines alternatives to address single-use plastic waste

The government of Guyana is actively examining alternatives to manage plastic waste, as it seeks a long-term solution to the single-use plastic problem. Local government and regional development minister Priya Manickchand noted that central government and regulatory agencies are stalled on how to transition away from disposable materials without causing severe economic side effects. The minister stated that the country's small market scale makes local recycling unprofitable for providers.

The central dilemma involves balancing the burden of plastic waste on municipal waterways and local infrastructure against the economic costs of new policies. The government is considering measures such as import policy adjustments or an outright ban, while cautioning that these actions carry costs.