Great news for the environment! The RePLAST Collection Points officially reopen from November 13 2021. The Gros Islet Recycling Collection Point located at the Rodney Bay Aquatic Center Grounds and the Laborie Collection Point located at the Laborie Development Foundation will lead the comeback, with Castries and Vieux Fort announcing their resumption dates subsequently.
The community collection is undertaken through a non-monetary incentive scheme. Once registered, patrons receive a Rewards card and can earn points in exchange for plastic bottles returned. These points are redeemable through the RePLAST online Marketplace. New users are invited to register online at www.replastoecs.com and reclaim their card at the closest RePLAST Collection Point. Once collected, the plastic bottles are transferred to local recyclers for processing and preparation for export to a Recycling Facility in Honduras.
During the RePLAST OECS Pilot Phase from 2019 to 2021, the aim was to create a sustainable model for the efficient management of plastic waste. Unite Caribbean implemented the project and coordinated the collaborative efforts of the public, local businesses, community organisations, volunteers and recyclers. The four community-led Collections Points with over 250 registered volunteers and 1700+ registered patrons collected an astounding 65,000 lbs in 21 days of operation.
“This Project has shown that it is possible to have a major positive impact on the environment by curbing plastic waste pollution. We are confident that St. Lucia can continue to pave the way and set the example for the rest of the OECS. Unite Caribbean is happy to move forward along with key partners including Heineken St. Lucia Ltd, The OECS Commission and The Coca Cola company. We are also happy to welcome former CARICOM Youth ambassador and environmental enthusiast Mc.Allister Hunt to Unite Caribbean in the capacity of Field Operations officer. Mc.Allister will be the focal point for the project.” – Thomas Chollet, CEO – Unite Caribbean.
The experience gained by Unite Caribbean during the Pilot phase, coupled with increased interest from the general public and the private sector, will ensure that the project continues to progress smoothly.
