NEMA: Transition to biodegradable garbage bags starts today

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has announced the immediate transition to the use of biodegradable garbage bags for organic waste collection.

The directive which was issued on April 8 takes effect today and aims to promote environmentally sound management of organic waste

NEMA had issued a 90-day window period to allow all public and private entities, including County Governments and licensed waste service providers, to transition to the use of biodegradable bags.

The directive, which is in line with Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, requires that all public and private sector entities segregate non-hazardous waste into organic and non-organic fractions.

Additionally, the segregated waste must be placed in properly labelled and colour coded receptacles, bins, containers and bags and all waste service providers are required to collect, handle and transport segregated waste.

“The use of conventional plastic bags/ bin liners for collection of organic waste shall thus cease forthwith. All County Governments and private waste service providers licensed by NEMA are required to provide to their clients the 100% biodegradable garbage bags/ bin liners only,” NEMA said.