A bill limiting the circulation of single-use plastics was passed unanimously in the Senate today.

Mischa Fubler, the Junior Minister of Public Works and Environment, said the Single-Use Plastics Act 2026 was not intended to “ban every item overnight,” but would help the island transition away from their use.

He said: “Put simply, it puts the legislative structure we need to regulate single use plastics effectively and sustainably.

“It allows the government to add items to a schedule only after consultation, only after listening to stakeholders and only after determining that alternatives are viable for our environment and our economy.”

The act, which was brought forward in the House of Assembly last Friday, would restrict plastics in phases and require evidence-based justifications for restrictions alongside public consultation.

Mr Fubler reminded the Senate that about 11 million tonnes of plastic entered Bermuda’s waters every year, only to break down into microplastics that impacted local health.

He added: “It’s the equivalent of a garbage truck full of plastic being dumped into the sea every single minute,” he told senators.

“It’s also key to note that half of all plastic produced is used once and then discarded and less than 10 per cent is recycled.”

Mr Fubler said the Government would first publish a notice of intention explaining which single use plastic item it wished to prohibit and potential alternatives.

Businesses, importers and the public would have at least six months to offer feedback, he said, before having another six months to get rid of plastics.

Formal consultation is expected to start within 60 days that will run between eight and 12 weeks.

Mr Fubler said they would start off with single-use plastics deemed “low-impact and highly replaceable” before moving onto more complex items.

He added single-use plastics would only be eligible for restriction if a viable alternative, which Customs would offer duty relief on, was available.

Details on approved alternatives will be offered before any items were scheduled, he later said.

Mr Fubler reminded senators that the Act was meant to regulate importation, sale and use of single-use plastics for businesses, not for personal use.

He added: “Items already in personal possession are not the target of enforcement.”

Mr Fubler said that despite concerns over the quality of alternative options, their quality is improving.

He explained: “There are now products made out of plant materials that closely reflect the look, feel and function of traditional plastics.

“The transition we are proposing today is more practical than ever before.”

He added: “This is how a responsible Government operates — we set the direction, we engage the stakeholders, we phase the implementation and we support the transition.”

One Bermuda Alliance senator Victoria Cunningham welcomed the bill, though raised concerns around how it would affect small businesses.

The Opposition Senate Leader also asked if Tynes Bay had the capacity to manage the influx of waste.

Mr Fubler confirmed Tynes Bay could weather the transition and added duty relief should mitigate any challenges small businesses could face.

Independent senator John Wight said it was hard to not be in favour of the legislation.

He added: “While plastic has been around for more than 100 years and has some obvious benefits. I think we now much better understand the impacts it has on our environment and potentially on our health.”

Progressive Labour Party senator Kim Wilkerson supported the bill, stating that, because it was listed in the Throne Speech, it was “not a new direction”.