I am sure you are aware of the current plastic bags ban which took effect from 28/8/2017. A
lot of public awareness was done by NEMA and for more information, I request you to visit
NEMA’s website especially for frequently asked questions. (FAQ’s)
In regard to garbage collection, Masters Management Enterprise supports the plastic bag ban
as it will help to improve the environment for Kenyans. Masters Management continues to
play its part in the implementation of the plastic bag ban and thereby make it a success. It is
in this context that we thank the National Environmental and Management Authority (NEMA)
for having exempted waste bin liners from the ban due to the lack of availability of suitable
alternatives. We encourage our clients to become zero wasters and follow the waste
management hierarchy of Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and then Rot (compost) to
reduce the landfill to almost nothing.
Please take note of the following condition for exemption. (See NEMA’s website).
(2) “Garbage Liners are also exempted on condition that they are clearly labeled and have
demonstrated effective and efficient Extended Producer/User Responsibility and/or effective
Take Back Schemes. Under the new regulations, the liners will NOT be dumped together with
the waste but will be emptied and reused or recycled by the the end user).”
Similarly; Households and businesses (“final consumer”): Final consumers will solely use
waste bin liners for the purpose of storing waste that will be collected by a NEMA licensed
waste collection company. Using the bin liner / garbage bag for other purposes is illegal and
one will have to take responsibility.
Let’s think about the reason people want to line their bin with a plastic bag. It’s to contain the
wet stuff and make it easier to clean the bin, right? What if I told you there were some easy
ways to eliminate the wet stuff from your bin? Crazy idea but it’s possible.
Now, let’s think about what the wet stuff actually is. I’m thinking it could include:
1. Food waste
2. Other kitchen waste like old sponges and baking paper
3. Tampons and pads
4. Disposable nappies
The rest is recycled and a few items go to landfill but they’re not wet and don’t require a bin
liner.
Okay, here’s how to deal with this wet stuff:
1. Compost the food waste. Do this and you will reduce the volume in your bin by 40%.
Bonus, you won’t have to take the bin out as often. There is a way to compost for every
situation and you really should be doing it to reduce pressure on landfill sites and to
reduce generation of greenhouse gases.
2. Make sure you use biodegradable sponges, baking paper and other products so that
you can add them to your compost too.
3. Use reusable menstrual products, there’s quite a few modern options out there.
4. Use reusable nappies and wipes (and biodegradable for extra points).
