Plastic packaging management: 09 years of struggle without seeing the end of the tunnel

Since April 24, 2014, the decree of October 24, 2012, of the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, prohibiting the use of non-biodegradable plastic packaging with a thickness of less than or equal to 60 microns, has come into force in Cameroon. But no significant change is observed in the country.

« The manufacture, import, possession, marketing, or distribution free of charge of non-biodegradable plastic packaging with a low density of less than or equal to 60 microns in thickness (1 micron is 1/1000 mm) as well as the granules used to manufacture them are prohibited, » states Article 7, paragraph 1 of this measure of the joint Minepded/Mincommerce decree. Following this, the executive took action to thwart opposing wishes in the borders and popular markets. Sadly, this was only the case for a short period, during which non-biodegradable packaging’s market value increased at wholesalers and, subsequently, at small retailers.

The endocrine society’s « Plastics, Health and Endocrine Disruptors » paper, which was released in December 2020, states that 144 plastic-derived compounds can be identified in the bodies of individuals with conditions including cancer, diabetes, infertility, etc. It is no longer possible to prove the detrimental effects of inadequate plastic waste management on wildlife and plants. In Cameroon, the climate is getting warmer every day. Another factor contributing to the rise in greenhouse gasses is the burning of plastic garbage.

Although it was a first legal document, the ministerial decree was not legally binding. It took two years to become operative. For this reason, this clause has been difficult to apply during its implementation. People continue to dwell in the space-time created by these two years of inaction. Their actions have not altered. Conversely, they have embraced the cause and, as a result, have raised the household basket’s plastic packaging budget.

However, this decree’s implementation demonstrates the government’s commitment to combating plastic packaging. Both administrative and criminal fines are applied. More than 390 perpetrators have been brought to justice, around 600 people have been arrested, and about 3000 people have been penalized. Some received prison sentences, while others were released after paying a fee. Fines totaling more than 70 million CFA francs have been retrieved and reimbursed as public funds. Therefore, the sustainability of this surveillance has not been aided by the laxity of certain control agents.

Then, the promotion of alternatives was not highlighted. The decree has suffered from application and today, we are back to square one, plastic bags are proliferating in Cameroonian cities.

There should be better involvement of all stakeholders. These are the ministries (MINEPDED, MINMIDT, MINCOMMERCE, etc.) but also the town halls and the various directorates in supporting projects for alternative solutions to plastic. Governments should enact a less flexible law, which essentially promotes biodegradable packaging like paper. Finally, to raise awareness among the population about the use of rattan, bamboo or straw bags and thus adopt an eco-responsible behavior.

Carole AMBASSA