Businesses now warn customers on plastic bags use

Businesses have started warning customers that they will no longer offer plastic bags as packaging.

Dry cleaning companies have warned their customers that they will no longer pack clothes in plastic bags.

“Dear customer, from 28 August 2017 we shall not issue plastic bags anymore. Eco-friendly bags will be available at a small fee or kindly avail your own packaging,” White Rose Drycleaners said in a message to its customers.

Early this week, supermarkets said they are clearing their stocks of plastic bags before the ban takes effect.

BRANDED BAGS

Most have stopped supplying the all-too-familiar polythene bags branded with their logos.

Tuskys, Carrefour, and Game supermarkets are using plain white or black polythene bags while Choppies (previously Ukwala), Eastmatt and Naivas are still using the branded bags.

Tuskys and Choppies said they were clearing their stocks.

On Friday, plastic bags manufacturers lost a court case to suspend implementation of the gazette notice stopping use of carrier bags.

Environment and Land Court Judge Bernard Mweresa Eboso said public interest tilts in favour of not granting the orders sought.

NEMA

Plastic manufacturers and importers wanted the notice by the Environment Ministry temporarily stopped until their case is heard and determined.

But in his decision, the judge said the notice is intended to control plastic menace in the environment.

The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has since advised Kenyans with stocks of polythene bags to declare them.

They are required to take the polythene bags to the county governments, supermarkets or wait for official communication on alternative drop-off points—but they must dispose of them anyway before the Monday ban.

“If you have any plastic in your house, please declare it to the municipal authorities,” said Environment Principal Secretary Charles Sunkuli on Thursday.