Caribbean nations anti-dumping rule

Several Caribbean nations have decided that they’re ready to enforce a ban on dumping garbage at sea.



The UN outlawed dumping in 1993 for the Caribbean region but it could not take effect until countries in the region had adequate facilities to receive garbage from ships.



However, member countries gave notice last month that they now have sufficient capacity.



The new rules of the UN\'s International Maritime Organisation (IMO), will take effect in May next year.



Under current rules, ships can dispose of metal, glass and other refuse a short distance from shore and almost any garbage farther out.



The pending ban will outlaw the discharging of any solid waste at any distance except for food, which could still be dumped three miles from shore.