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Plastic Ban in Rwanda

2019 saw a ban on single-use plastics in Rwanda. This was followed by a two year grace period to ensure a smooth transition from plastics to a more sustainable material. Manufacturers were given time to find alternatives to plastics. However, due to the Covid pandemic, the manufacturers found it hard to procure funding for this purpose and this led to delays in the ban implementation.

Sustainable Management of Single-Use Plastics

In June 2021, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) mobilised the Private Sector Federation (PSF) to step up and start collecting, transporting, disposing and recycling plastic waste. That mobilisation will now continue for five years. In response, the PSF plans to invest 690.6 million Rwandan francs (approx. €560,400) in REMA's 'Sustainable Management of Single-Use Plastics' project.

The proposed 'plastic to pavers' project falls under the collaboration between REMA and PSF. Prosper Muhirwa, a member of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and founder of Depot Kalisimbi Company Ltd, is funding the recycling plant project with US$3 million.

The recycling plant will be located in the Mageragere sector of Nyarugenge District, Kigali City. On completion, the plant will be able to recycle PET bottles, plastic cutlery, bags and packing materials. It is reported that the pavers produced from the plastics will be more durable than normal cement pavers and will also be weather-resistant. In addition to pavers, the construction materials to be produced will also include columns, tiles, and bricks.
 
“We plan to recycle plastics into pavers and blocks producing 500 square meters per day. The main objective is to preserve the environment, provide affordable and weather-resistant housing for the community and create sustainable and green jobs through plastic recycling,” explains investor Prosper Muhirwa. Construction work will begin at the site in early 2022.

Benefits

#Rwanda marks the annual World Environment Day, pushing to end plastic pollution: "living a life without disposable plastics will make the world a better place, for today and future generations" https://t.co/UW5k5QEWLv pic.twitter.com/zIsEie0hvZ

— Government of Rwanda (@RwandaGov) June 6, 2018

The plastics recycling plant is set to benefit Rwanda in a variety of ways. It will help promote green technologies and in maintaining a clean environment. It will also contribute to green buildings and will create sustainable jobs. Plastic waste ending up in landfills will reduce drastically.

Top Photo: Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda. Kigali is reputed to be one of the cleanest cities in Africa (Derejeb | Dreamstime)