Govt Gives Directives On Kenyans Using 3 Colour Dustbins Or Be Fined Ksh20,000
NEMA cited the three colours set to be used as green, blue and black dustbins.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has introduced a proposed colour coding format which Kenyans will be mandated to use to segregate waste in their homes.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, August 7, NEMA cited the three colours set to be used as green, blue and black dustbins.
In the proposal, Kenyan households and private sector entities will be required to use green-coloured waste bags and dustbins for organic waste, blue bins for recyclable waste, and black for general waste.
"Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act requires the Cabinet Secretary in consultation with the Authority and County Governments to Gazette the National Colour Coding System for waste management.
"To ensure all public and private sector entities segregate the non-hazardous waste into organic and inorganic fractions, NEMA has come up with a proposed National colour coding system," read the notice in part.
The authority further indicated that it had published its proposals for public participation. Comments for the proposed colour coding system must be provided by August 16, 2024, with Kenyans urged to submit their comments through email (info@nema.go.ke) or via NEMA's social media platforms.
Established under the Environment Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) No. 9 of 1999, NEMA oversees environmental matters and implements government policies related to environmental management.
On July 8, NEMA began enforcing a law that now compels Kenyans to switch to using biodegradable garbage bags for organic waste collection, effectively banning plastic garbage bags and bin liners.
This followed the expiration of a 90-day notice issued by the authority regarding the directive which aims to enhance the environmentally sound management of organic waste. This means that starting Monday, July 8, Kenyans were mandated to separate their waste into organic and non-organic trash.
On April 8 this year, NEMA issued a notice requiring all households, private and public sector institutions, religious organisations, and event organisers to segregate organic waste and place it exclusively in 100% biodegradable garbage bags or bin liners.
To comply with this directive, all County Governments and private waste service providers licensed by NEMA will be required to provide their clients with 100 per cent biodegradable garbage bags or bin liners only.
NEMA referred to Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022 which requires that all public and private sector entities segregate non-hazardous waste into organic and non-organic fractions.
Furthermore, the segregated waste be placed in properly labelled and colour-coded receptacles, bins, containers and bags. All waste service providers are additionally mandated to collect, handle and transport segregated waste.
The Sustainable Waste Management Act stipulates that Kenyans who do not obey the directive upon conviction will be fined a sum not exceeding Ksh20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.
Photo of plastic garbage bags. /SHUTTERSTOCK
Several garbage collectors at work in Nairobi. /ROJA CLEANERS
