KENYA – The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has proposed a national color-coding system for waste management to enhance proper disposal and recycling.
This initiative aims to ensure that both public and private entities segregate non-hazardous waste into organic and non-organic categories.
Under the proposed system, green represents organic waste, blue represents recyclable waste, and black represents general waste.
NEMA has invited the public to share their feedback on this proposal by August 16, 2024, via email at info@nema.go.ke or through NEMA’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
This proposal aligns with Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, which mandates the Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with NEMA and County Governments, to gazette a national colour-coding system for waste management.
The colour-coding initiative comes just a month after NEMA announced the enforcement of a new mandate requiring 100% biodegradable garbage bags for organic waste collection.
This directive, which took effect following an April 8, 2024, notice, provided a 90-day compliance window for all public and private entities, including County Governments and licensed waste service providers, to transition to biodegradable bags.
According to NEMA, all organic waste generated by households, the private sector, public institutions, and events must now be segregated and disposed of in 100% biodegradable garbage bags or bin liners.
NEMA Director General Mamo Mamo emphasized the need for innovation in creating suitable biodegradable alternatives, noting that while any plastic can be biodegradable, they are not necessarily compostable.
He suggested that the ideal garbage bag should be starch-based to decompose within weeks or months.
Mamo also mentioned that more than 10 investors, mostly from outside the country, have expressed interest in manufacturing the ideal biodegradable bag.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards is vetting these firms, and NEMA expects the country to have an ideal garbage bag within the next one to two months.
Following the expiration of NEMA’s 90-day compliance period, conventional plastic bags or bin liners are now illegal for organic waste collection.
The Authority continues to stress the importance of transitioning to biodegradable garbage bags for sustainable organic waste management.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE
