NEMA unveils new colour coding scheme for waste management

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has proposed a national colour-coding system to streamline waste segregation.

In a notice issued on Wednesday, NEMA outlined a new waste management scheme that designates specific colours for different types of waste.

According to the authority, green garbage bags will be used for organic waste, blue for recyclable materials, and black for general waste.

NEMA explained that this initiative aims to facilitate proper waste separation across both the public and private sectors, categorising non-hazardous waste into organic and inorganic streams.

This move is in line with Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, which mandates the Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with NEMA and county governments, to formalise the National Colour Coding System through a Gazette notice.

All members of the public have been encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed scheme by August 16, 2024.

The authority noted that the comments can be channelled through email ([email protected]) or through their social media platforms.

A file photo of green, black, and blue garbage bags.(Photo: Canva)

Established under the Environment Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) No. 9 of 1999, NEMA is responsible for overseeing environmental matters and implementing government policies related to environmental management.

On July 8, 2024, Nema mandated the use of 100 per cent biodegradable garbage bags for collecting organic waste. The authority had given a 90-day window from the date of the notice for full compliance with the new regulations.

The period allowed all public and private entities, including county governments and licenced waste service providers, to transition to the use of biodegradable bags.

The authority instructed that all waste be transported in biodegradable bags and that both county governments and private waste service providers supply their clients with these bags.

NEMA emphasised that all organic waste, whether from households, businesses, or public events, must be segregated and placed exclusively in 100 per cent biodegradable bags or bin liners.

"All organic waste generated by households, private sector and public sector institutions, private and public functions, and events; shall strictly be segregated and placed in 100% biodegradable garbage bags/bin liners only," Nema said.

The enforcement marks a shift from the use of conventional plastic bags, which were banned in 2017 under Gazette Notice Nos. 2334 & 2356.