NEMA Issues a Bold Directive on Garbage Collection

In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has introduced a ban on the use of plastic bags for collecting and disposing garbage. The recent directive requires Kenyan citizens to transition to biodegradable garbage bags within a 90-day compliance window.

According to the notice, the use of conventional plastic bags or bin liners for organic waste collection must cease immediately. NEMA has mandated that all garbage be carried in biodegradable bags, emphasizing the importance of environmentally sound management of waste. County governments and licensed private waste service providers have been tasked with ensuring that clients are provided with 100% biodegradable bags for waste disposal.

Households, private sector entities, public institutions, as well as events and functions, are instructed to segregate organic waste and utilize only 100% biodegradable garbage bags for disposal. This directive aligns with Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, which underscores the need for proper waste segregation, labelling, and handling by both public and private sector entities.

The move by NEMA marks a significant step towards reducing plastic waste pollution and promoting sustainable waste management practices in country. It builds upon the 2017 ban on the manufacture, importation and use of plastic carrier bags for commercial and household packaging, previously implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

As the country  progresses towards a greener and more eco-friendly future, the phased elimination of plastic bags for garbage disposal underscores the nation’s commitment to environmental conservation and responsible waste management. The 90-day timeline provided by NEMA offers an opportunity for citizens, businesses, and waste service providers to adapt to the new regulations and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for present and future generations.

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