Guinea bans all single-use plastics activities – Africa

Posted on September 24, 2024 by DrRossH in Plastic Limiting Regulations

A new decree bans the manufacture, import, sale, and use of single-use plastics across the West African country

Source: Guinea bans all single-use plastics activities | Sustainable Plastics

The regulation aims to take pressure off the country’s struggling waste management system by reducing plastic pollution. According to a WACA report commissioned by the World Bank, around 83.5% of solid waste is mismanaged in Guinea. In 2019, the country generated around 616,000 kg of plastic waste per day.

The ban applies to single-used plastics in commercial and industrial applications, including plastic bags and oxo-degradable plastics. Plastic packaging for water and other liquids is exempt from the ban, as are single-use plastics for medical, agricultural, military, and garbage collection applications.

The decree allows for a six month transition period when companies can sell off their ordered or existing stock. Plastic manufacturers will have up to two years to comply with the decree.