Tanzania to ban single-use plastics by July: setting minister

DODOMA (Reuters) – Tanzania plans to ban the manufacturing, importation, sale and use of all single-use plastic baggage by July, to assist sort out air pollution from non-biodegradable waste.

The East African nation is the newest nation to make a proper dedication to part out single-use non-biodegradable plastics, which have been recognized by the United Nations as one of many world’s greatest environmental challenges.

    Of the 9 billion tonnes of plastic the world has produced, solely 9 % has been recycled, based on U.N. estimates.

Tanzania will be a part of greater than 60 different international locations which have banned, partly banned or taxed single-use plastic baggage, together with China, France, Kenya, Rwanda and Italy.

In August 2017, neighboring Kenya launched one of many world’s hardest bans on plastic baggage mandating 4 years in jail or a positive of $40,000 for even utilizing one.

    “The laws are prepared for publication … it’s potential that July 1 will mark the tip of using plastics within the nation,” Tanzania’s Atmosphere Minister January Makamba advised Parliament on Monday. 

    Makamba stated a proper announcement on the ban of single-use plastic baggage in Tanzania would doubtless be made later this month.