Minister with responsibility for the Environment, Daryl Vaz says action has been taken against entities for breaching the ban on some single-use plastic bags.

He says to date, 46 establishments have been served compliance notifications for breaches of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition Order 2018.

Mr. Vaz says this is a positive step, toward protecting the environment.

Noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified poor air quality as one of the major contributors to millions of deaths across the globe annually, Mr. Vaz says in the coming months, his ministry will be engaging Jamaicans on the draft hazardous waste management policy.

Consultations will commence in July.

He was speaking at the recent launch of Green Expo 2019, in Kingston.

Vaz highlighted that non-governmental organisations, like the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust and community based organisations continue to play a critical role in “key” environmental initiatives at the local level, and advocacy nationally.

Green Expo 2019 will be held at the National Arena, in St. Andrew, from June 7 to 9.

The event seeks to address the need for practical environmental education, for sustainable development.