Kenya adopts color-coded bins to enhance waste segregation

KENYA – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has authorized a standardized three-bin color-coded system to streamline waste segregation nationwide. 

Under the new system, green bins will be designated for organic waste, black bins for general waste, and blue bins for recyclables.

This initiative aims to improve waste sorting, enhance recycling efforts, reduce landfill waste, and foster cleaner, more sustainable communities. 

The move aligns with Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022, which mandates that the Cabinet Secretary establish a national color-coding system for waste management in consultation with NEMA and county governments.

The Act underscores the importance of proper waste segregation to boost recycling rates and minimize environmental pollution. 

This announcement follows NEMA’s public participation process, which concluded on August 16, 2024. The process invited feedback from the public and industry experts.

The color-coded system is expected to simplify waste collection at the source, making it easier for collectors and recyclers to process materials efficiently.

Differentiating organic, recyclable, and general waste aims to reduce contamination and improve the quality and quantity of recovered recyclables. 

Kenya generates over 4,000 tonnes of waste daily, resulting in landfills or illegal dumpsites, contributing to pollution and public health risks.

Improper waste disposal has led to environmental degradation, including water pollution and the spread of disease vectors.

Introducing this system is a proactive step towards mitigating these challenges by encouraging responsible waste disposal practices. 

The initiative’s success will largely depend on public compliance and participation. NEMA has urged households, businesses, and institutions to adopt the new system and ensure proper waste segregation at the source.

Public education campaigns will be launched to raise awareness about waste sorting and the correct use of each bin.

Beyond environmental benefits, the system is expected to create economic opportunities by supplying the recycling industry with high-quality recyclable materials.

This, in turn, can generate jobs and contribute to the circular economy, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to sustainable waste management. 

Role of PROs in this move

The successful authorization of Kenya’s color-coded waste segregation system has been significantly influenced by the persistent advocacy of Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) in the country.

Notably, the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) and the Packaging Producer Responsibility Organization (PAKPRO) have been at the forefront of these efforts.

KEPRO, established to manage non-hazardous post-consumer packaging, has brought together key stakeholders to promote sustainable waste management practices.

The organization has led initiatives to combat post-consumer packaging waste, aligning with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles.

By encouraging producers to manage their products’ entire lifecycle, KEPRO has fostered a culture of environmental stewardship among manufacturers and consumers alike.

Similarly, PAKPRO has been crucial in organizing public awareness campaigns and forums to foster behavioural changes towards waste management.

These initiatives have been pivotal in educating the public on proper waste segregation and recycling, enhancing compliance with the newly implemented color-coded system.

The collaborative efforts of these PROs have not only lobbied for effective waste management directives but have also facilitated the formation of compliance schemes that cover a wide range of packaging materials.

By actively engaging with producers and consumers, KEPRO and PAKPRO have contributed to the successful implementation of Kenya’s waste segregation policies, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

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