Kenya Announces Launch of New Plastic Bottle Recycling Initiative
Similar models implemented elsewhere in the world has significantly contributed to collection and recycling of PET bottles and containers in large numbers.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Kenyan manufacturers have joined hands to launch a new organization that will coordinate all efforts to collect, sort and recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and containers. The launch of PET Recycling Company Ltd (PETCO Kenya) was connected with the 2018 World Environment Day celebrations. The organization aims to keep the environment clean, while generating thousands of new employment opportunities in the recycling and associated industries.
PETCO has already partnered with recyclers who are already involved in the making of new and innovative products out of used PET materials. The companies that become part of PETCO Kenya will be liable to pay an extended producer responsibility (EPR) fee, which in turn will be utilized to provide subsidies to Kenyan recyclers. The incentives offered to recyclers is expected to boost the PET recovery and recycling rate from current levels of around 5% to 25% in 2018 and 70% by 2030.
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John Waithaka, the Chairman of PETCO Kenya noted that this is the Kenyan plastic industry’s first joint effort to sustainable PET management, although recycling activities have been taking place on a modest level for many years. Tonnes of PET are sold in Kenya every year, Waithaka noted. Kenya currently imports nearly 20,000 tonnes of PET every year. The imports are expected to grow by at least 10% every year, he added.
Similar models implemented elsewhere in the world has significantly contributed to collection and recycling of PET bottles and containers in large numbers. For instance, the PET Recycling Company (PETCO) in South Africa has collected and recycled 2.15 billion PET bottles in 2017. The PET recycling rates touched new highs in 2017, even in the midst of adverse market conditions.