NEMA calls for enforcement of sustainable waste management law

In an announcement made on August 30, 2023, NEMA underscored the importance of collective action in safeguarding the nation's natural beauty and ecological balance.

Central to NEMA's call is the enforcement of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, which brings about a significant shift in the way producers, brand owners, importers, distributors, packers, refillers, and converters engage with the environment. 

NEMA's message to these key players is: ‘’it's time to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products.’’

The Sustainable Waste Management Act expands the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), placing the onus on producers not just to create products but also to manage their environmental impact. This means mitigating pollution, minimizing environmental harm, and ensuring responsible disposal of products and packaging post-consumer use.

NEMA's notice emphasizes the urgency of this matter, as it mandates that EPR plans must be submitted within 60 days after August 30, 2023. This swift action underscores the authority's commitment to addressing environmental issues promptly.

Furthermore, NEMA has warned that it will not hesitate to impose bans on products and packaging that prove to be detrimental to the environment once they reach the post-consumer stage. This proactive stance demonstrates NEMA's resolve to hold producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products.

The EPR framework, as outlined by NEMA, demands that producers submit comprehensive plans, detailing product breakdowns, scheme membership, estimated volumes, tracking mechanisms, collection points, awareness strategies, budgets, and contracts with waste processors. This holistic approach aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among producers.

NEMA's call to action extends beyond compliance; it urges producers to embrace their roles as environmental custodians. This shift is not merely about meeting legal obligations but about actively participating in shaping a cleaner, greener Kenya.