The Environment Ministry issued a reminder on Wednesday about the upcoming ban on the sale of plastic water bottles one liter, as well as those under one liter, set to take effect next month.
The government has previously compiled a list of single-use plastic items prohibited for import, manufacturing, and marketing, each with its specific timeline for enforcement. Plastic water bottles of one liter or less are the final category of single-use plastics to be banned nationwide, as per this list.
In a recent announcement, the Environment Ministry disclosed that the import and production of plastic water bottles under one liter will be prohibited starting next month. These bottles will no longer be allowed on the market from March 1 of the following year.
This regulatory change will encompass the prohibition of 500ml plastic water bottles, which are currently commonly available in the market.
The list of banned single-use plastic items, as outlined under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act implemented last year, consists of 13 environmentally harmful plastic products that are no longer permitted for manufacturing or marketing within the Maldives.
Currently Banned Products Include:
Single-use plastic straws
Plastic plates, cutlery, and stirrers
Styrofoam food containers
Plastic bags smaller than 30 cm used for shopping
Plastic-wrapped betel leaves (supari)
Plastic single use cups smaller than 250 ml
Plastic-stemmed cotton swabs
Plastic containers of shampoo, soap, conditioner, and lotion 50 ml or smaller
Plastic water bottles smaller than 500 ml
Plastic bottles under 500 ml containing other types of liquids
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