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HAMILTON, Bermuda, Mar. 28, CMC — A long-promised bill aimed at reducing single-use plastic pollution was tabled in Parliament on Friday, eight years after it was first proposed.
However, Public Works and Environment Minister Jaché Adams made it clear that no immediate bans will take effect, as the legislation is designed to introduce restrictions in phases following public consultation.
The proposed Single-Use Plastics Act 2026 establishes a legal framework to regulate items such as plastic bags, straws, food containers, water bottles and cutlery, but none will be prohibited until stakeholders have been consulted and viable alternatives identified.
The initiative was first outlined in the 2018 Speech from the Throne, which had targeted eliminating certain single-use plastics by 2022.
Adams said the bill is not intended to impose sweeping bans overnight, but rather to guide Bermuda’s transition away from the most harmful plastics through a measured, evidence-based approach.
“It creates the legislative structure we need to regulate single-use plastics effectively and sustainably,” he said, noting that items will only be added to the restricted list after consultation and careful assessment of environmental and economic impacts.
As a result, the bill’s schedule has been deliberately left blank.
“We are not rushing ahead with bans without first hearing from businesses, environmental organisations, students, seniors and others who rely on these products daily,” Adams said. “This legislation lays the foundation for a balanced and well-managed transition.”
Consultations will include environmental groups, retailers, restaurants, small businesses, importers, manufacturers and waste management experts.
Adams explained that if specific items — such as plastic straws — are eventually targeted, restrictions would only be implemented after broad public engagement and with clearly defined timelines.
“Our goal is not disruption, our goal is progress,” he added.
The ministry also plans to launch a public education campaign in partnership with environmental organisations, schools and community groups.
Highlighting the importance of Bermuda’s marine environment, Adams warned that plastic pollution poses a serious threat to the island’s tourism industry, fishing sector and public health.
He noted that plastics break down into microplastics, which have been detected in water, sand, marine life and even the human body.
“This is not speculation — it is established science,” he said, citing concerns raised by environmental groups such as Keep Bermuda Beautiful and Beyond Plastics Bermuda, both of which have urged stronger action to address the issue.
Adams said the legislation responds directly to those concerns, while also acknowledging support from the opposition One Bermuda Alliance for efforts to tackle plastic pollution.
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