Government Enforces Ban on Plastic Garbage Bags and Liners for Organic Waste Disposal

The government has enforced a prohibition on the utilization of plastic garbage bags and liners for waste disposal. According to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), effective immediately, all organic waste generated by households, institutions, and events must be sorted and deposited in fully biodegradable garbage bags or bin liners exclusively.

EMA specified that this segregated waste should be collected separately from other types of waste and conveyed to material recovery facilities for further treatment. In a public announcement, the environmental authority declared the cessation of using conventional plastic bags or bin liners for organic waste collection.

Both county governments and private waste management entities have been responsible for furnishing their clientele with biodegradable alternatives. The directive issued by NEMA is expected to be implemented within 90 days from the notice's issuance date on April 8.

Although Kenya had previously banned the production, importation, and usage of polythene plastic bags in 2017, the prevalence of plastic bags for waste disposal has persisted. NEMA reiterated on Monday that the prohibition encompasses plastic carrier bags and flat bags, extending to garbage bags and bin liners.

Violators of the ban are subject to penalties, including up to a four-year imprisonment term or a fine of Ksh.4 million. The Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022 mandates all public and private sector entities to segregate non-hazardous waste into organic and non-organic categories. Subsequently, it should be appropriately labeled, color-coded, and placed in receptacles, bins, containers, and bags for waste service providers to handle, collect, and transport.