Plastic Bag Ban For Congo-Brazzaville

3 June 2011

With the EU reported to be recently considering a blanket ban of plastic bags (CLICK HERE for full story), Congo-Brazzaville government has announced it is set to ban the production, import, sale and use of plastic bags in a move to fight environmental pollution and flooding in the central African nation

Like many developing nations, Congo lacks adequate waste management and recycling facilities. The widely used non-biodegradable plastic bags are reportedly strewn about, causing harm to the environment.

Spokesman Bienvenu Okiemy Okiemy said the government adopted a decree following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. It prohibits the use of plastic bags to pack food, groceries, water and other beverages.

"For some years now, particularly in urban areas, Congo has witnessed major environmental pollution caused by discarded plastic bags which block drainage systems, causing floods and landslides," Okiemy said.

Rwanda led Africa's fight against plastic bags, banning them five years ago. Other countries have also moved to either ban or limit their use.

Italy said in December that it would ban plastic shopping bags, while the European commission announced in May that it was considering a tax or a ban on plastic bags to cut their use.

Darrel Moore