Greenpeace Africa, an environmental campaign organisation, has lauded the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for banning Kenyans from using plastic bags to collect organic waste, such as food leftovers. Waste collectors at Dandora Dumpsite wash plastic bags for recycling and resale. When will the NEMA ban on plastic garbage bags take effect? NEMA, in a statement dated April 8, 2024, stated that the ban would take effect after 90 days and called on Kenyans to prepare for the shift, which may come with extra costs for garbage collection. “All organic waste from households, public and private sectors, religious institutions, public and private functions and events shall strictly be separated and placed in 100% biodegradable garbage bags/bin liners only,” NEMA said While lauding NEMA for the move, Greenpeace also called for clarity and strengthened infrastructure to eradicate plastics completely. Gerance Mutwol, Greenpeace Africa’s Plastics Campaigner, applauded the government of Kenya, citing the current move as a decisive action, just like the 2017 ban on plastic carrier bags. How Kenya is moving towards being plastic-free Mutwol welcomed using biodegradable garbage bags as alternatives for organic waste collection but emphasised the need for a zero-waste and plastic-free Kenya. “Kenya should prioritise reusable models, ensure that any biodegradable alternatives are safe and genuinely contribute to a circular economy, and continue to be a continental leader in combating the plastic crisis,” said Mutwol. He explained that transitioning from plastic bags to biodegradable options was a step in the right direction, but it was only temporary. Mutwol advocated for more investment in reusable collection systems and sought clarity on the composition of the biodegradable bags that will replace plastic bags. What is the composition of biodegradable bags? “It is crucial that we scrutinise these ‘biodegradable’ materials. The term ‘biodegradable’ often encompasses various materials with varying environmental impacts. As such, we urge the government to provide detailed information regarding the composition and biodegradability of these bags to ensure they genuinely minimise environmental impact,” he said. The announcement by NEMA is timely as world leaders meet in Ottawa, Canada, from Tuesday, April 23, to April 29, for the fourth round of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC4) to draft a binding plastics treaty. TUKO.co.ke understands that Greenpeace Africa is pushing for a treaty emphasising the reduction of plastics production and prioritising options like refill and reuse systems. Such an approach minimises the use and production of single-use plastics. Cost of garbage collection in Nairobi The new directive will see Kenyans spend more money on garbage collection. When the government banned single-use plastic bags in 2017, outlets like supermarkets began charging customers for biodegradable and reusable bags due to the cost of producing the carrier bags. This will likely be the case for garbage collectors who charge between KSh 100 and KSh 250 for plastic garbage bags and collection. Tenants may now need two sets of garbage collection bags for the plastic and organic waste, thus more expenditure, but for a better course. In 2023, a waste analysis survey in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county, established that food waste formed the biggest percentage of garbage.
by Michael Ollinga Oruko