Guinea enacts ban on single-use plastics to curb pollution

GUINEA – In a significant move to combat plastic pollution, Guinea’s government has issued a decree banning the production, import, sale, and use of single-use plastic products and packaging nationwide.

The decree, signed by President Mamady Doumbouya on September 21, aims to promote public health, encourage biodegradable alternatives, and reduce environmental hazards.

This wide-reaching regulation targets a variety of stakeholders, including producers, importers, and businesses involved with single-use plastics.

The ban covers plastic bags, oxo-degradable plastics, and other plastic-based products, and extends to both urban and rural areas across the country.

By enacting this ban, Guinea hopes to significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.

However, certain exemptions are allowed, including single-use plastics for essential medical, agricultural, and military purposes and for waste collection and packaging of liquids like water.

The government has implemented strict enforcement measures to ensure compliance. Businesses violating the ban may face closure, product seizures, and financial penalties.

Guinea’s action mirrors similar initiatives in other African nations. In February, Somalia announced a ban on the import, manufacture, trade, and use of single-use plastic bags, effective June 30, 2024.

The Environment and Climate Change Ministry’s statement highlighted the nation’s efforts to limit non-biodegradable packaging and combat global warming.

“Somalia is proactively addressing environmental issues. By prohibiting single-use plastic bags, we are committed to conserving our environment and promoting sustainable practices,” stated Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, Somalia’s Environment and Climate Change Minister.

Somalia’s ban aligns with efforts by other East African nations like Kenya and Rwanda, which have already implemented comprehensive single-use plastic bans.

However, Uganda and Tanzania continue to face challenges in enforcing similar regulations, particularly regarding smuggling at their borders.

With a five-month grace period to transition, Guinea’s ban seeks to create a cleaner, healthier environment and foster sustainable practices across the nation.

Meanwhile, the state of Lagos, Nigeria, in January implemented an immediate ban on using and distributing polystyrene and other single-use plastics, citing significant environmental concerns.

The state’s Commissioner announced the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

According to the commissioner, the decision was taken in response to the severe environmental impact caused by the non-biodegradable and toxic nature of polystyrene.

Wahab pointed out that polystyrene is a major contributor to the clogging of drainage channels, despite ongoing cleaning efforts and substantial prevention expenditure.

The commissioner added that this material also forms a large portion of the litter found on major roads and markets, which the Lagos Waste Management Authority deals with daily.

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