September 17th, 2024
Humanity currently faces a triple planetary crisis: climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution, largely from plastic waste. These wastes are a threat to keeping global temperatures below 1.5°C, as greenhouse gases are emitted throughout the plastic life cycle. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s 2021 “Drowning in Plastics” report, over 400 million metric tons of plastic are produced annually, with half being single-use plastics and less than 10 percent being recycled.
Closer to home, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) estimates that Nairobi generates about 2,400 tons of solid waste daily, 20 percent of which is plastic. Only 45 percent of this waste is recycled, reused, or repurposed to yield economic or ecological benefits. It is against this backdrop that on 8th April 2024, NEMA announced a ban on the use of plastic bags for the collection of organic waste like leftover food. In addition, all organic waste generated by households, both public and private sector institutions, functions, and events, will have to be segregated and placed in 100 percent biodegradable garbage bags. This means plastic bags will not be allowed in markets and trash collection points from July 8th.