RPJ and TPDCo sign landmark second-phase MOU to expand tourism recycling

Recycling Partners of Jamaica (RPJ) and the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) have signed a second-phase memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand their nationally recognised tourism recycling initiative. This strategic partnership aims to deepen Jamaica’s environmental sustainability efforts by extending the reach of recycling infrastructure into schools, cruise ports, resort towns, small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs), and local communities. As part of this new phase, RPJ will fabricate and install 10 additional recycling grille cages in high-traffic tourism areas by November 2025. The programme will also expand payback incentives for schools and introduce formal recognition for businesses and institutions that achieve exceptional plastic collection results.

A release notes that, since 2019, the organisation has collected over 1.2 billion plastic bottles, engaged 550 schools islandwide, and added 126 new schools in just four months. In 2024 alone, RPJ disbursed nearly J$400 million through its deposit return scheme, an increase of 37 per cent over the previous year.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Gairy Taylor, general manager of RPJ, emphasised the national significance of the partnership.

“This is a critical step forward. Montego Bay alone produces over 100,000 pounds of plastic per month, equivalent to 22,000 bottles, and Negril generates similar figures. With TPDCo’s support, we’re expanding into areas like Ocho Rios and Trelawny, which have some of the country’s largest hotel properties and high visitor volume. The impact will be significant.”

EMBEDDING SUSTAINABILITY

Taylor added that RPJ’s goal is to make recycling convenient and accessible across the island, “many of Jamaica’s hotels are internationally owned, and sustainability is a key concern for them. How we manage plastic waste reflects on our brand as a destination.

This partnership is helping us meet that expectation, while also creating income opportunities through our Community Entrepreneurial Programme.”

Wade Mars, executive director of the TPDCo, reiterated the agency’s commitment to environmental stewardship, “plastic waste is one of the most visible threats to the visitor experience in our resort areas. Our collaboration with RPJ is essential to creating clean, attractive spaces for both locals and tourists. Beyond collection, we’re also working with schools to instil long-term behavioural change from a young age.”

Kerry-Ann Lowe Mullings, acting director of product development and community tourism at TPDCo, added, “we’re proud to incentivise school involvement, offering payback rewards for every 50 kilograms of plastic collected. Through initiatives like

Team Jamaica, we’re embedding sustainability into our tourism culture.”

Both agencies reaffirmed their shared goal of strengthening Jamaica’s environmental and economic resilience through collaborative action, ensuring the island’s reputation as a sustainable tourism destination continues to grow.