Ten Caribbean island states are undertaking a joint project to promote recycling across their shared maritime region. Members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have agreed to pursue policies and promote public-private partnerships with the goal of reducing plastic waste and better protecting marine biodiversity.

That may include adoption of legislation that is already prevalent in other parts of the world to mandate deposit fees on recyclable containers and/or set waste reduction targets for designated public and private entities. OECS-member, Dominica, is identified as a potential exemplar for innovative funding, based on its practice of tying waste management fees to utility bills. Member states also plan to explore environmental levies and incentives for private investors to generate funding for new recycling programs.

The initiative is occurring in partnership with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and financial support from the European Union. The OECS is comprised of: Anguilla; Antigua & Barbuda; British Virgin Islands; Dominica; Grenada; Martinque & Guadeloupe; Montserrat; Saint Kitts & Nevis; Saint Lucia; and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.