New Senate Bill to Impose Tough Penalties for Illegal E-Waste Disposal

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Stricter regulations on the handling of e-waste in Kenya are the goal of the recently introduced Senate Bill, The Electronic Equipment Disposal, Recycling and Reuse Bill, 2025. It suggests a methodical and lawful way to control the nation's e-waste collection, sorting, and recycling.

According to the new bill's rules, everyone who generates electronic waste must only dispose of it at approved collection locations. People and organizations that are caught disposing of such material outside of authorized areas risk severe fines or even jail time. The law suggests a six-month jail sentence, a Sh20,000 fine, or both.

ALSO READ:

Five Nabbed in Illegal E-Waste Processing Plant Raid

Malaysia Seizes 106 Illegal E-Waste Containers

Additionally, operators of recycling plants without valid license will face fine of up to Sh50,000 or a jail term of six months. Individuals or businesses who wish to recycle e-waste must first obtain necessary approval from the Cabinet Secretary for Environment.

The bill proposes to set up ward-level consolidation sites. The e-waste collected at these sites will be transported to larger sorting centres in counties, from where it will be delivered to a central National E-waste Recycling Plant.

To transport materials from the ward collection stations to the sorting facilities or the national plant, e-waste collectors will need to be licensed by the county executives in charge of the environment.