Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is implementing a ban on plastic bags for organic waste collection.
The directive, taking effect on July 8, 2024, aims to reduce plastic pollution and promote environmentally friendly waste management practices.
According to the directive, Kenyans have 90 days to switch from plastic to 100% biodegradable bin liners for organic waste collection.
“All organic waste generated by households, private sector and public sector institutions, private and public functions and events shall strictly be segregated and placed in 100% biodegradable garbage bags/bin liners only,” NEMA said.
The directive aligns with Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Transition to the use biodegradable garbage bags for organic waste collection pic.twitter.com/UQ2tyOlr07
— NEMA Kenya (@NemaKenya) April 22, 2024
Biodegradable bags are expected to be more expensive than traditional plastic liners. For instance, costs could range from Ksh 629 for 15 smaller bags to Ksh 6,239 for 100 larger kitchen bin liners.
In 2017, Kenya successfully banned the use, manufacturing, and importation of plastic carrier bags for commercial and household packaging.
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