Arusha bans plastic bags.

29 Jan, 2009

Shoppers and traders in Arusha will be banned from using plastic bags as of 1 February in a move to bring the municipality into line with other parts of the country.

Tanzania introduced legislation banning the use of disposable plastic bags in 2006. However the ban has been difficult to enforce, partly due to the lack of viable alternatives such as baskets or bags made of biodegradable materials.

Discarded plastic bags are not only an eyesore but are responsible for blocking drains and causing flooding especially during the rainy season. They can also harm animal and marine life and release dangerous pollutants into the air when burned