June 6, 2023 – Global production of plastic has risen exponentially over the past decade, estimated at 400 million[1] tons of plastic produced every year. Unfortunately, only 9 % of the total plastic wastes quantities generated is recycled, 12 % incinerated and the rest ends up in landfills or thrown in the environment including oceans[2]. This has resulted in a global plastic pollution crisis, with wide ranging impacts on ecosystems, human health, and the planet’s overall well-being.

While many countries struggle to find effective solutions, Rwanda steered the ship and serves as a shining example among the countries to have successfully tackled this challenge head-on. With its visionary leadership, proactive policies, and determined citizenry, Rwanda has made tremendous strides in beating plastic pollution. As we mark this year’s World Environment Day themed Beating Plastic Pollution, it is worth exploring the remarkable success story of Rwanda and the Global Green Growth Institute’s ongoing contribution to this journey.

A Ban on Plastic Bags

One of the pivotal steps in Rwanda’s battle against plastic pollution was the implementation of a nationwide ban on plastic bags in 2008. This groundbreaking decision made Rwanda one of the first countries in the world to take such a bold and comprehensive action. The ban was not merely a temporary restriction but a permanent commitment to eliminate single-use plastic bags from the country.  Whilst many countries across the globe have enacted similar bans, few have been able to effectively enforce it. The groundbreaking measures that Rwanda used to enforce the ban include public awareness campaigns to educate the population about the environmental impact of plastic bags and benefits of the bans, custom inspections at the boarders and airports to prevent the smuggling of banned plastic bags into the country, application of strict penalties for those found violating the plastic ban.  Rwanda has as well promoted the use of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags such as paper bags and reusable fabric bags. Moreover, the Government has worked closely with businesses, industries and retailers to encourage compliance with the ban. It supported companies in finding suitable alternatives and helped them adapt to the new regulations. 

Encouraging Behavioral Change

Rwanda recognized that tackling plastic pollution required more than just enacting legislation. The government launched extensive awareness campaigns to educate and engage citizens in the fight against plastic waste. By emphasizing the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment, wildlife, and public health, Rwanda successfully fostered a sense of responsibility and ownership among its people.

Promoting Alternatives and Innovations

To facilitate the transition away from plastic, Rwanda encouraged the use of alternative materials and innovative solutions. Local entrepreneurs were supported and incentivized to develop eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. For instance, paper bags were reintroduced as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. These initiatives not only reduced plastic waste but also stimulated the growth of green jobs and industries within the country.

Collaboration and International Recognition

Rwanda’s efforts to beat plastic pollution did not go unnoticed. The country actively engaged with international organizations and forged partnerships with NGOs, businesses, and other nations to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Rwanda’s commitment to environmental sustainability was recognized globally, and the country became a role model for other nations striving to combat plastic pollution. Rwanda and Peru championed a discussion that led to a historical resolution during the United National Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) to develop a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution by 2024. In addition, Rwanda is a co-chair of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) aiming to end plastic pollution by 2040.

Fig 1: Hon. Rwanda Minister of Environment Applauding UNEA 5.2 following the adoption of the Rwanda-Peru Resolution in Nairobi.    

Global Green Growth Institute’s Contribution to plastic management in Rwanda

With its longstanding in-country presence and prominent role as a neutral, trusted advisor to Government of Rwanda, GGGI  Rwanda has been actively supporting the transition into a low carbon green economy, providing advice and technical support in the development of green growth plans, policies and regulations, mobilization of green investments, implementation of green growth projects and development of local capacities and knowledge sharing. With regards to the enabling environment, GGGI Rwanda Country Program has assisted various policies and strategies to advance the country’s development that is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable.  Among policies supported include the revision of the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy which is the country’s long-term strategy aimed at mainstreaming climate resilience and low-carbon development into key sectors of the economy. The revised strategy is set to be launched by the Government of rwanda during the celebration of the World Environment Day (June 5, 2023).

Fig 2: Weighbridge installed at Nduba dumpsite.

As part of the ongoing Waste to Resources project, a 3-year initiative funded by the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to improve municipal solid waste and hazardous waste management in Rwanda, GGGI is  implementing a number of interventions to promote waste valorization, including plastics pre-processing, to minimize pressure at dumpsites located in Kigali and secondary Cities.  A key intervention of the project is the installation of a weighbridge at Nduba dumpsite in Kigali to improve operations of the dumpsite, address longstanding data gaps and inform future decision-making on the dumpsite expansion. A sorting and separation facility is also planned to be installed at Nduba by the end of August 2023, allowing the City of Kigali to collect data on recyclables, segregate the plastic waste received at the disposal site, and ultimately enable their valorisation.

The project is also intervening upstream with the installation of waste collection points at, busy locations where residents will be able to drop off emptied plastic bottles, aluminum cans, as well as e-waste for proper management. Community awareness activities are also being conducted for proper handling of waste at point of generation, ensuring sorting at source. Recognizing the key role played by the private sector in beating plastic pollution, the project is also technically supporting private actors to mobilize green investment.

Fig3 : Trash bags distribution to residents at Gatare Cell, Niboye Sector, City of Kigali

[1] https://wedocs.unep.org/xmlui/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/36964/VITGRAPH.pdf

[2] https://wedocs.unep.org/xmlui/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/36964/VITGRAPH.pdf

Author : Mr. Juvenal MUKURARINDA , Senior Officer Sustainable Waste Management ,Global Green Growth Institute – Rwanda Country Program.