The government is in the process of implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism where manufacturers, distributors and importers of plastic products will be held responsible for the disposal of plastic waste.
Elgeyo Marakwet County NEMA Director Stephen Kimuttu said while the use of plastic bags has greatly reduced in the county since its ban in 2017, the disposal of plastic bottles, glass bottles for packaging alcohol and used diapers was becoming a menace.
Speaking during celebrations to mark World Environment Day at Chebiemit sub-County Hospital, the Director said previously, the country did not have a take-back mechanism where manufacturers, distributors and importers are required to collect waste from their products for disposal.
He said the EPR, which is under the National Waste Management Act, holds the producer responsible for polluting the environment, adding that they were also required by law to not only have collection points for waste from their products but also to advise the consumers on how to dispose of the same.
