SingleUsePlastics East Africa policies & regulations
Single-use plastics (SUPs) have inundated modern society, comprising items like grocery bags, food containers, and straws, designed for one-time use before disposal. These plastics persist for centuries, polluting waterways, harming wildlife, and leaching toxins into soil and groundwater. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, 34 African countries, including East African Community (EAC) members, have enacted bans on certain SUPs, yet enforcement remains inconsistent due to regulatory complexities and lack of public awareness. This project, delves into the legislative landscape surrounding SUPs across EAC member states. Initiative explained the existing regulations, highlight successes and challenges, and advocate for cohesive regional action to mitigate plastic pollution. It also increase awareness and knowledge through the webinar.
The objective was to create a comprehensively overview of (and assess) the legislative and regulatory frameworks in place regarding single-use plastics (SUPs) within the East African Community (EAC). By examining the progression of laws across EAC member states, we identified successes, challenges, and lessons learned in addressing SUPs and their resulting pollution. Through this analysis, we were able to inform and increase understanding of existing regulations, advocate for streamlined legislation, and catalyse collaborative action to regulate plastic production, enhance waste management practices, and eliminate unnecessary SUPs at a regional level.
Our primary target group were; policymakers, legislators, regulatory authorities, environmental advocates, and civil society organizations within the East African Community. Additionally, this project engaged stakeholders across sectors, including businesses, industry associations, academia, and international organizations with an interest in environmental sustainability and plastic pollution mitigation efforts. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and the drafted SUP Bill drafted by the legal partner we aspire to drive collective action towards more effective and harmonized regulations for SUPs in the region.
