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Quote “ As long as people do not connect the state of their environment to the quality of life they lead; mental issues, fatigue, and general dissatisfaction with life will continue to affect more people than before- because we are part of nature, we disrespect it, it will fight back” Anne Kitelesi
Kenya is at a pivotal moment in its environmental journey. With mounting waste challenges and the urgent need for circular economy solutions, the country’s adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) marks a bold step toward sustainability. But what does EPR really mean for producers, consumers, and waste collectors and how can we all leverage it to reshape our waste culture?
What Is Extended Producer Responsibility?
EPR is a policy approach that places the responsibility for post-consumer waste squarely on producers. This means manufacturers, importers, and brand owners must take charge of the entire lifecycle of their products including collection, recycling, and safe disposal.
In Kenya, the Environmental Management and Coordination (Extended Producer Responsibility) Regulations, 2023, provide a legal framework for this shift. The regulations cover packaging, electronics, batteries, textiles, and more, requiring producers to register with NEMA and submit EPR schemes that detail how they will manage their waste footprint.
Producer Practices: “Return to Shop” Recycling Options
One of the most promising practices emerging under EPR is the “return to shop” model. This allows consumers to bring back used packaging like plastic bottles, containers, or e-waste to designated collection points at retail outlets. Here’s how it works:
- Retail Collection Points: Supermarkets, electronics stores, and pharmacies set up bins or kiosks for consumers to drop off used items.
- Incentives for Returns: Some shops offer discounts, loyalty points, or small cash rewards for returned items, encouraging participation.
- Reverse Logistics: Returned items are collected by producers or contracted recyclers and sent to recycling facilities or refurbishing centers.
This model not only simplifies recycling for consumers but also creates a visible, accessible channel for responsible disposal.
How Consumers Can Leverage EPR
Consumers play a critical role in making EPR work. Here’s how:
- Know Your Drop-Off Points: Look out for “return to shop” bins in supermarkets like Naivas, Quickmart or Carrefour, or electronics stores like Hotpoint.
- Sort and Return: Separate recyclables at home and return them during your regular shopping trips.
- Demand Accountability: Ask brands about their EPR schemes and support those that are transparent and proactive.
By participating, consumers help reduce landfill waste, conserve resources, and signal to producers that sustainability matters.
Empowering Waste Collectors
Waste collectors are often informal workers who are the unsung heroes of Kenya’s waste system. Under EPR, they can benefit in several ways:
- Partnerships with Producers: Producers can contract waste collectors to gather post-consumer waste, offering stable income and protective gear.
- Access to Collection Points: Waste collectors can retrieve high-value recyclables from “return to shop” bins, improving their earnings.
- Training and Inclusion: EPR schemes can include training programs to formalize and upskill waste collectors, integrating them into the circular economy.
This approach not only enhances livelihoods but also ensures that EPR implementation is inclusive and equitable.
Toward a Circular Kenya
EPR is more than a policy, it’s a cultural shift. It challenges producers to rethink product design, encourages consumers to take responsibility, and empowers waste collectors to be part of the solution. With “return to shop” models gaining traction, Kenya has the opportunity to build a circular economy that is locally rooted and globally relevant.
Let’s return, recycle, and reimagine our relationship with waste.
