Waste Not, Want Not: Fighting Plastic Pollution in Jamaica’s Kingston Harbour with Smart Tech, Circular Economy Policies and Community-Driven Solutions
The phrase "waste not, want not" has widely faded from modern discourse in today’s “throwaway” society and, as a result, plastic pollution in our world’s oceans and rivers has become an increasing global environmental, economic, and health challenge. Millions of tons of plastic enter the sea every year, with rivers being a primary source of this pollution. In fact, globally, 1,000 rivers, out of over three million, emit nearly 80% of plastic pollution. Climate change, coupled with rapid urbanization in the Global South, has further intensified this issue.
But, there is hope. Synergizing scientifically designed interception technology, innovative policy recommendations, and holistic, stakeholder-driven approaches that engage local communities, private sector actors, and governmental bodies can dramatically enhance the world’s fight against marine plastic debris. A pioneering initiative in Jamaica illustrates this. The work being done in Kingston Harbour by The Ocean Cleanup and our partners represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenge of plastic pollution and offers a promising model for urban environments worldwide. Further replicating this model will require policies that prioritize circularity, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws and recycled content mandates, while leveraging global innovations like digitized waste platforms and material alternatives. By aligning local action with international frameworks, such as the proposed UN Plastics Treaty, cities can transform from pollution hotspots to circular economy pioneers.
The Problem of Plastic Pollution in Kingston Harbour
Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to the environment, economy, and health of communities surrounding Kingston Harbour. Growing amounts of waste flow through numerous smaller channels and gullies into the port, with devastating consequences. For instance, from an ecological perspective, Kingston Harbour is adjacent to approximately 300 hectares of vital mangrove forests. These mangroves provide essential nurseries and feeding grounds for marine life. They protect the coastline from erosion and flooding and contribute significantly to the economy. Plastic accumulation in these mangrove forests prevents seawater movement, which would increase salinity, cause ecosystem degradation, and lead to biodiversity loss.
Economically, plastic pollution negatively impacts local livelihoods such as fishing, with 95% of Jamaica's fishing industry serving domestic consumption. The tourism and maritime sectors, vital to Jamaica's economy, are also threatened by the deterioration of the marine environment. The World Bank estimates that Jamaica’s mangrove forests provide an annual flood reduction benefit of over US$32.7 million in terms of built capital protection, highlighting the economic value of these ecosystems. The cost of restoring damaged mangroves is high, ranging from US$63,000 to US$250,000 per hectare, making prevention a more economical and efficient solution.
Socially, plastic pollution affects the health and well-being of communities. River cleanup activities offer an inspirational cause that young and old can rally around. Its impact can be seen – and felt – by all, regardless of age, gender, wealth, or profession. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues, The Ocean Cleanup has emphasized an inclusive approach, aiming to drive education, awareness, and community engagement to view natural ecosystems as precious assets.
The Ocean Cleanup's Initiative in Kingston Harbour
Founded in 2013, The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization focused on developing and scaling technologies to eliminate plastic from the world’s oceans. Our strategy involves addressing both legacy plastic in oceanic garbage patches and cutting the inflow by intercepting trash in polluting rivers.
In Kingston, Jamaica, The Ocean Cleanup has partnered with Clean Harbours Jamaica and the GraceKennedy Foundation to deploy Interceptors in the city’s drainage gullies. This collaborative effort aims to prevent an estimated 1,000 tons of trash annually from entering Kingston Harbour, which is located within the Palisadoes-Port Royal marine protected area. Because of the unique challenge of multiple gullies instead of a single river, we have collaboratively developed a network of Interceptors technologically adapted for each location and serviced by a common offloading operation. As of May 2025, eight Interceptors have been deployed in Kingston.
The initiative, however, involves more than just technology. It is essential to employ a stakeholder-driven approach, recognizing the importance of local partners with expertise in the environment and surrounding communities. Experienced seamen staff the offloading operations, while the GraceKennedy Foundation and Clean Harbours Jamaica organize outreach and education programs to drive social change. Community involvement is also fostered through events like the Great Mangrove Cleanup and the Great Mangrove Cleanup Trash Tournament, which have removed significant amounts of legacy plastic pollution.
The main offload site for the Kingston Harbour Cleanup Project serves as a teaching hub, educating schoolchildren and youth about waste management. Because the GraceKennedy Foundation recognizes youth as powerful agents of change, it also conducts awareness campaigns to influence behavioral change within communities. Since 2024, the partnership has directly intercepted over two million kilograms (4.4M lbs) of trash. The project is an inspiring symbol of an innovative solution for urban waste management challenges globally, as coastal cities are major sources of plastic emissions.
Policy Recommendations
Building upon the successful initial phases of the Kingston Harbour cleanup project, we propose several policy recommendations to enhance its long-term impact and promote broader change:
Strengthening and Enforcing Regulations on Waste Management: The Jamaican government, in collaboration with local authorities, could consider reinforcing existing regulations on solid waste management, including proper disposal methods for households and businesses. Increased monitoring and stricter penalties for illegal dumping, particularly in and around drainage gullies and waterways, are crucial. This can be supported by political engagement to create the necessary legal framework.
Investing in Waste Management Infrastructure: To support interceptor technology and prevent upstream pollution, there needs to be continued investment in and improvement of, waste management infrastructure. This includes increasing the capacity and efficiency of waste collection systems, establishing or expanding recycling facilities, and developing proper landfill management to minimize leakage into the environment.
Promoting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Schemes: Implementing EPR schemes would hold producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products, from design to disposal. This can incentivize the production of more sustainable packaging, increase recyclability, and provide funding for waste management and cleanup initiatives. For example, Germany’s 2024 plastic tax targets single-use items like food containers, incentivizing eco-design. Similarly, Australia’s proposed EPR scheme holds brands accountable for recycling expenses.
Enhancing Public Awareness and Education Programs: Building on the current efforts of the GraceKennedy Foundation, sustained and expanded public awareness and education programs are essential. These programs should target all age groups and focus on the impacts of plastic pollution, proper waste management practices, the benefits of reducing single-use plastics and promoting a circular economy mindset. Integrating environmental education into school curricula can foster long-term behavioral change.
Incentivizing Businesses and Communities to Reduce Plastic Use: Policies can include incentives for businesses to adopt reusable or biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics, as well as community-based initiatives that promote waste reduction and recycling. This could involve tax breaks, subsidies, or recognition programs for environmentally responsible practices.
Supporting Research and Innovation in Waste Management Technologies: Continued support for research and development of innovative technologies beyond the Interceptor model is crucial for addressing the diverse challenges of plastic pollution. This includes exploring advanced recycling methods, biodegradable materials, and improved waste sorting technologies.
Fostering Regional and International Collaboration: Plastic pollution is a transboundary issue, and collaboration with neighboring countries and international organizations is essential for sharing best practices, coordinating efforts, and potentially securing funding and technical assistance for large-scale projects.
Broader Scope: Similar Projects and Other Ideas
Several similar projects and broader ideas are being implemented globally to tackle plastic pollution:
River Cleanup Initiatives: Numerous organizations worldwide are employing various methods to intercept plastic in rivers. In addition to The Ocean Cleanup’s sixteen other river interception programs in eight countries worldwide, the Philippines established its National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction, and Management of Marine Litter in 2021, engaging barriers, policies, and clean-up drives to prevent plastic from reaching the ocean. Similarly, initiatives like USESCO’s Inspire Program focus on drastically reducing the flow of plastic litter from European inland and transitional waters to the sea. They are doing so by bringing together innovative technologies, research, and community-driven actions.
Ocean Cleanup Technologies: Beyond river interception, The Ocean Cleanup itself is also focused on removing legacy plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch by using large-scale collection systems. Other organizations are developing different technologies for ocean cleanup, such as specialized vessels and nets.
Circular Economy Models: A broader approach involves transitioning from a linear "take-make-dispose" economy to a circular economy where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and pollution. This includes promoting product reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling. Policies supporting circular economy principles, such as eco-design regulations and waste reduction targets, are being implemented in various regions.
Bioplastics and Alternative Materials: Investing in the development and adoption of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics, as well as other sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, can significantly reduce the long-term impact of plastic pollution. Research and development in this area are ongoing, and policies can support the scaling up of these solutions.
Citizen Science and Community Monitoring: Engaging local communities in monitoring plastic pollution levels in rivers and coastal areas can provide valuable data and raise awareness. Citizen science initiatives can complement government monitoring efforts and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Our community cleanups in Kingston provide a good example of the powerful potential of this engagement.
Conclusion
Plastic pollution is a global crisis, and we believe that the work being done in Kingston Harbour by The Ocean Cleanup and its partners represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenge of plastic pollution. A stakeholder-driven approach, combining technological innovation with community engagement, education, and synergistic policy design, can offer a promising model for urban environments worldwide. To build on this success, it is crucial to implement comprehensive policy recommendations that strengthen waste management systems, promote sustainable practices, and foster a circular economy. By learning from similar initiatives globally and embracing a multi-faceted approach, we can collectively work towards a future with cleaner rivers, healthier oceans, and thriving communities.
About the Author:
Montgomery (Monty) Simus is Global Director of Public Affairs, Policy, and Blue Finance at The Ocean Cleanup. A three-time member of Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative (ALI) program, Monty served as a Fellow and Senior Fellow in 2015-2017. In 2023, Monty returned to ALI as an inaugural Impact Leader-In-Residence, focused on global water accessibility, sustainable investing, and resilient infrastructure. He also serves as an associate at the Harvard-China Project on Energy, Economy, and Environment at Harvard University’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.