The circular has reportedly been issued to ministry secretaries, provincial chief secretaries, heads of departments, as well as heads of corporations and statutory boards.
According to the circular, the purchase and use of single-use plastic water bottles in all government institutions must be completely halted with effect from May 31.
It further instructs heads of institutions to take all necessary steps to prevent the use of single-use plastic items within their respective institutions.
The Ministry stated that the provisions outlined in the previous public administration circular issued on April 2 last year will also remain in force alongside the newly introduced guidelines.
Accordingly, all government institutions are required to continue implementing the “Three R” concept — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle — as part of their waste management practices.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government further stated that the new circular has been issued with the approval of the Ministry of Environment.
