Global Plastic Policy Reviews

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When referring to any of the results of our analysis and/or its concept and design, please cite us accordingly:
Global Plastics Policy Centre (2024) March A., Salam, S., Evans, T., Hilton, J., Fletcher, S. (editors). Global Plastics Policy Review. Revolution Plastics Institute, University of Portsmouth.

Barbados Returnable Containers Act on the Collection of Plastic Bottles and Reduction of Litter (Revised in 2019)

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Contribution to reducing plastic pollution:
Effectiveness of meeting own objectives:
Strength of evidence: Limited Available Evidence
Reviewed under framework: Yes

Key Findings

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This policy enables the implementation of a deposit return scheme for plastic, metal and glass beverage bottles. There was limited evidence for this policy despite being in place since 1986. There are no set indicators for monitoring and also no defined objectives but plausible attribution suggests the scheme is successful as it has continued for so long and was extended to include other packaging in 2019 (Brathwaite, 2023; Daily Express 2020). Some issues have been reported with retailers refusing to pay consumers cash for their returns, providing vouchers for their stores instead which is contrary to the legislation (Barbados Consumers Watch, 2008; Brathwaite, 2023).

(Reviewed in Mar 2023)

Year:

  • 1986

Instrument type:

Voluntary or legally binding:

Scale:

Implementation context:

Point in plastic cycle:

Policy Type:

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We are confident in our research, however, not all evidence is made publicly available which may affect the outcome of the reviews. Let us know if you have research or evidence that can contribute to our analysis, or a policy you think would be valuable to review!

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Our methods

Through an analytical framework, we've reviewed over 100 plastic policies. These reviews determine the effectiveness of policies in reducing plastic pollution and we offer recommendations in light of this evidence, to enhance future policy making. You can find out more about our methods on our methods page.

Methods

Guidance

In light of our findings, we've created targeted guidance for Policy Makers, Citizens and Businesses.

Think we've missed something?

We are confident in our research, however, not all evidence is made publicly available which may affect the outcome of the reviews. Let us know if you have research or evidence that can contribute to our analysis, or a policy you think would be valuable to review!

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