It is now illegal to use conventional plastic bags or bin liners to collect organic waste. This follows the expiry of a 90-day period issued by National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on the need to transition to using biodegradable garbage bags for organic waste collection.
On April 8, the authority issued a public notice directing that all organic waste generated by households and all public and private institutions be segregated and placed in 100 per cent biodegradable garbage bags or bin liners.
“The waste collected shall be collected separately (not mixed with other waste types) and transported to a designated material recovery facility for further processing,” said director general Mamo Boru.
“All county governments and private waste service providers licensed by Nema are required to provide to their clients the 100 per cent biodegradable garbage bags/bins liners only.” he said.
The Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022 is seeking to transition the country from a linear to a circular economy. The law was enacted on July 6, 2022. It has provisions that seek to promote sustainable waste management and improve the health of K