KIGALI - The Ministry of Trade and Commerce has announced that measures are underway to help local plastic waste recycling factories acquire modern equipment to facilitate the recycling process.

John Nkubana, the team leader of industry and SME department at the Ministry, said that factory owners will be taken on study tours to countries where plastic recycling has succeeded.

Nkubana was speaking, yesterday, during a town hall meeting broadcast live on national television and radio.

"We pledge support where possible to those who wish to start plastic waste recycling factories,” Nkubana said.
There are only five plastic waste recycling factories in the country.

The Minister of Environment and Lands, Stanislas Kamanzi, observed that Rwanda is now recognised worldwide for her move to ban plastic bags.

Kamanzi pointed out that the passing of the law, imposing a ban on non biodegradable products, was one of the major achievements in the restoration of the environment.

Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) clarified that Rwanda does not accredit factories that manufacture polythene bags, but rather those that recycle them.

Bernard Muramira, an official from Strive Foundation Rwanda said that they are in the process of establishing three centres in different parts of the country to train people how to make art and craft from plastic waste.

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