Breaking the Plastic Chain: Rwanda’s Two-Decade Transformation

Rwanda has demonstrated its commitment to tackling plastic pollution through its transformation from an environmental waste stricken country to an international benchmark for sustainable policy measurement. In 2004 the government initiated the first steps of their nationwide plan to fight plastic pollution leading to comprehensive nationwide solutions.

Rwanda permits only paper and biodegradable packaging

Rwanda was the first African country to implement a total ban on polyethylene bags in 2008. This groundbreaking legislation created barriers against the manufacture, import, distribution and commercial use of plastic bags, and has set the benchmark for environmental regulation. The government has backed up its commitment with strict penalties: Individuals who fail to comply with the rules for eliminating plastic from public places will have to pay $52, and companies will have to pay a hefty $5,220 for having deficient waste management systems in place.

In 2019 the policy expanded its reach to include more restrictions on usage of single-use plastics while showcasing the nation’s ability to adapt to environmental threats. Rwanda moved towards international leadership status through co-creation of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution in August 2022 which was launched with 17 dedicated countries working towards plastic-free waste systems beyond 2040.

At the launch, the former Minister of the Environment of the Republic of Rwanda, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, said: “Rwanda started fighting plastic pollution in 2004, Unfortunately, plastic waste is still visible downstream from the country, which proves the need for global efforts to achieve the common goal of ending plastic pollution, as it is an unacceptable burden for future generations”. She emphasized that Plastic pollution is a global crisis with implications for human health, biodiversity and the climate system.

A 2022 report from the Global Green Growth Institute revealed the current waste landscape at Nduba landfill: 70% organic waste, 13% non-recyclable materials, and only 5% plastic. The waste reduction approaches implemented in Rwanda show strong results which indicate positive prospects for building sustainable waste management practices.

Nduba landfill-Kigali

Rwanda has set itself the target of completely eliminating plastic waste from landfills by 2030. This target represents a national commitment to environmental management, while also meeting international environmental obligations.

This journey highlights a profound truth, namely that environmental change on a significant scale requires strong policy combined with strict enforcement backed by unified national leadership. Rwanda’s environmental approach proves that sustainable environmental solutions exist when a nation is dedicated to tackling its greatest natural challenges.

Rwanda is both a source of optimism and practical proof of the absolute possibility of achieving global environmental transformation.

 

By: Eduque Isingizwe, East African University Rwanda Student

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