Sustainable Management of Plastic Bag Waste. The Case of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: This research discusses the adverse environmental impacts of plastic bag waste in Nairobi, Kenya, their root causes and remedial policy and technical packages for the short and long term. The need for such a study is justified as it is desirable to change the unsustainable pattern of consumption and production associated with these materials. Plastic bag waste appears in very high proportion in the municipal sold waste stream in Nairobi and is causing environmental problems such as choking of animals and soils; blockage of waterways and rivers; blight of landscapes and trees; and resource depletion. The research questions addressed are: (1) What is the current status of plastic bag waste pollution in Nairobi? (2) What are the associated undesirable environmental impacts? (3) What are the underlying causes? and (4) What are the applicable solutions for short-to-medium and long term. To answer these questions, different approaches were utilised. The theoretical background of the problem and that of possible remedies was investigated from literature sources. Experiences of other countries on the issue were studied. A detailed contextual assessment was conducted in Nairobi to determine the status of the problem, its root causes, major stakeholders and what has already been done in response to the issue. The results indicate that the problem is a consequence of externalities in production and consumption; ineffective by-laws on littering and illegal dumping; failure of garbage collection and disposal systems; and low public awareness and poor life-cycle considerations. The compiled information and suggestions are expected to be useful to the various endeavours in Africa to deal with the menace of plastic bag waste and related challenges due to unsustainable patterns of consumption and production.