Plastic continues to pollute the world’s coastlines, according to the recently released Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup ‘24-2025 report. 

Of the 10 most collected items globally, nine were plastic. At the top: plastic food wrappers and plastic beverage bottles—everyday items that now dominate the debris found along coastlines.

The Caribbean region stood out in 2024, collecting more plastic bottles than any other participating region worldwide, with a total of 572,118 bottles. Within the region, the Dominican Republic led with 304,174 bottles, followed by Jamaica, where just over 6,000 volunteers removed 193,386 bottles from beaches and coastal areas. East and South Asia ranked second globally in plastic bottle collection.

“These numbers tell a story we cannot ignore,” said CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust Dr Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie. “Plastic is used in just about everything—from food packaging to the clothes we wear—and too much of it is ending up in our environment.” 

Despite the Fourth Phase of Jamaica’s Single-Use Plastic Ban in 2024, ICC Day data reveal that plastic beverage bottles remain a major problem—highlighting the need for more targeted and systemic interventions.

While cleanup efforts make an immediate difference to protecting marine life and coastal ecosystems, they are not a long-term solution. Recycling helps, but the global reality is that only approximately 9% of all plastic waste is recycled. 

CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust, Dr Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, said, “We are in the middle of a crisis. To break the cycle of plastic pollution, waste must be reduced at the source.”

Tackling plastic pollution requires action from both governments and businesses. Governments set the policies, but businesses must adapt their practices and take responsibility for the products they put on the market. Other proven measures that could be considered include:

• Scaling up reuse and refill infrastructure to reduce reliance on single-use packaging.
• Designing products for recycling and requiring minimum post-consumer recycled content.
• Reducing toxic additives and ensuring truth in labelling so consumers can make informed choices.

One of the most effective tools is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—already working in countries like Canada, the European Union, Japan, Chile, and Australia. Under EPR, companies must pay for the packaging they produce, with costs tied to how recyclable or wasteful those materials are. This creates a powerful incentive to reduce waste, improve design, and invest in sustainable alternatives.

 “EPR shifts the burden from communities to corporations. It drives businesses to build sustainability into their bottom line while governments provide the policy framework and accountability,” said Dr Rodriguez-Moodie.