The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has proposed a three-colour coding scheme for non-hazardous waste.
- In its proposal, NEMA proposes using green for organic waste, blue for recyclable waste, and black for general waste.
- The proposal is part of current laws which require the CS in charge of environment to gazette a “National Colour Coding System.”
- Although it is a cosmetic change, it has implications for manufacturers and other’s in the waste management value chain.
The Sustainable Waste Management Act was signed into law in 2022 and provides for consultation between the national government and county governments on waste management. It was the latest in several nationwide measures on policies meant to help in reducing pollution and protecting the environment.
In 2017, Kenya banned single-use plastic bags for household and commercial use. The move forced retailers to stop providing plastic bags for customers, which was initially seen as disruptive but has resulted in a new value chain for retailers who now sell reusable, branded bags instead.
In April, NEMA also enforced the 2017 ban on garbage bags and bin liners, advocating instead for the use of biodegradable garbage bags. Although the changes are meant to manage pollution, the environment authority has previously been criticised for enforcing decisions with short timelines that not only add to household and commercial costs, but also disrupt existing value chains.
NEMA’s plans have also included a ban on plastic bottles, but their ubiquity makes such a transition almost impossible. However, the government has banned single use plastic bottles within national parks.
Despite the forward-thinking measures, one glaring concern is the lack of policy incentives for the recycling sector.
