NEMA bans use of plastic bags

Black and blue garbage bags. [Standard]

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has banned the use of plastic bags to collect and dispose of garbage.

NEMA on Monday stated that plastic bags will not be allowed in the market, 90 days from April 8, 2024, when the notice was issued.

"To ensure environmentally sound management of the organic waste fraction, the Authority directs that within 90 days from the date of this notice the use of conventional plastic bags/bin liners for collection of organic waste shall thus cease forthwith," the Authority said. 

NEMA has now ordered that all garbage must be collected in biodegradable garbage bags, after the notice period. 

At the same time, the Authority has directed all county governments and private waste service providers to provide their clients with 100 percent biodegradable bags.

"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 percent biodegradable garbage bags/bin liners only," it added.

In early 2017, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources imposed a ban on the manufacture, importation, and use of plastic carrier bags for commercial and household packaging.