News Release
For Immediate Release

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

RPJL optimistic about Negril facility rebounding from fire setback

Negril, Jamaica: Recycling Partners of Jamaica Limited (RPJL) is resolute that a major fire at their Negril facility recently will not deter the organization’s plastic bottle recycling efforts even though it has been acknowledged as a setback for their goals for 2017.

The site which was acquired in March by the organization was severely affected by a fire which occurred on Sunday, September 3 and a cause has not yet been determined by the Fire Brigade who are still investigating.

Over 8000 pounds of recycled bottles were destroyed in the fire that caused extensive damage to the property that had been refurbished to the tune of over JM $4 million earlier this year.

Executive Director of RPJL Lavern Salmon noted that the total value of the loss had not yet been calculated but their hotel partners may now have to temporarily find an alternative to dispose of their plastic.

“Due to the facility being damaged, hotels will have to revert to their providers taking their recyclables to the landfill in Montego Bay as their trucks are now forced to make twice the trips and still are unable to meet their goals. This is a concern to us because there are increased carbon emissions and diesel being expelled which is dangerous to the environment,” explained Salmon.

Although the persons who served on the staff of the organization's employment were not injured or harmed in the fire they have been significantly affected. They will be brought on a part time basis to assist in the cleanup process which is expected to commence next week.

Despite the extensive work that has to be done following the impact of fire to the premises, Salmon reiterated her organization’s commitment to being a leading environmental partner in Jamaica.

"With the support of some of our local partners, we will start our rebuilding efforts as soon as possible because our commitment as guardians of the national recycling entity will not be deterred," she noted.

Salmon said the outlook for the company is still overwhelmingly positive because of their mandate to bring recycling to every citizen.

“We will work with the local citizens to get back to where we need to be with the shortest amount of time.  We will continue to partner with the Ministry of Tourism Primary school project and LASCO REAP,” she added.

RPJL's recycling facilities across the island include Martins Hill Disposal Site, Grove Place, Manchester, and 22a Lyndhurst Road, Kingston; and their head office, coming soon, on Lakespen Road, St Catherine.Other recycling outlet vouchers recognized by LASCO Money are the RPJL; Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), 11 Waterloo Avenue, Kingston; Genesis Recycling on Church Street, Morant Bay, St Thomas.

Depots operate between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays to Fridays.

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