Dodoma. The National Task Force Committee overseeing the implementation of Tanzania’s plastic bag ban has convened in Dodoma to review progress and challenges encountered since the regulation was enacted in 2019.
The weekend meeting, chaired by the committee’s chairperson, Mr Thomas Chali, who serves as Assistant Director in the Environmental Management Department (Waste Management Section) at the Vice President’s Office, focused on assessing the enforcement of the ban over the past five years and exploring strategies to address emerging environmental concerns.
Mr Chali noted that while the ban on plastic bags had yielded positive outcomes in reducing plastic waste, there has been a significant rise in the use of alternative packaging materials.
These include plastic-based wrappings used as carriers for market goods such as tomatoes, carrots, and peppers, which have contributed to increased plastic waste and environmental pollution.
“The purpose of this meeting is to evaluate the implementation of the plastic bag ban over the past five years and to discuss measures to control substandard plastic packaging materials, which are still being widely used in various economic activities,” he said.
Tanzania imposed a nationwide ban on plastic carrier bags in June 2019 as part of efforts to combat plastic pollution.
The regulation, enforced through the Environmental Management (Prohibition of Plastic Carrier Bags) Regulations, 2019, prohibited the importation, manufacture, sale, and use of plastic bags, with exceptions made for specific industrial and medical uses.
The initiative was aimed at reducing plastic pollution, protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and promoting sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable packaging and reusable bags.
Despite initial success, enforcement challenges have persisted, with some businesses and individuals continuing to use non-compliant plastic packaging.
The task force committee is expected to recommend further measures to strengthen enforcement, promote awareness, and enhance the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives.
The meeting forms part of broader efforts by the government to review environmental policies and ensure the effectiveness of regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste across the country.
