Senegal To Start Enforcing Plastics Law

In 2015 Senegal introduced legislation to ban thin plastic bags of less than 30 microns. To date it has not been properly enforced. However, the country’s minister for the environment Abdou Karim Sall has this week told Reuters that this is set to change. 

“We will go around shops ... we have security forces who can support us. We’re going to start enforcing this law in its full force,” Sall is quoted as stating.

The minister also revealed that government plans to introduce additional legislation to ban a wider range of plastics. The legislative moves will be complemented by efforts to educate citizens on the dangers of plastics and the new rules.

Shopkeepers that fail to adhere to the legislation will face fines of US$85, while those found guilty of manufacturing thin plastic bags could be sent to prison for six months or fined US$34,000.

According to Our World in Data statistics Senegal was the 21st biggest ocean polluter in 2010, producing more than 250,000 tons of mismanaged plastic.

In Africa 34 countries have adopted restrictions on the use of plastic bags, including Kenya, Rwanda and Cape Verde. Kenya’s legislation includes a jail sentence of up to four years and fines up to US$40,000 for those found guilty.