Tanzania bans plastic bags

The Tanzanian government has announced a ban on all single-use plastic carrier bags effective June 1st. Albatros East Africa recommends making this clear to all guests traveling to Tanzania. The ban covers all plastic bags, including garbage bags and shopping bags. Nylon luggage wrap should be removed and disposed of at a special designated point at the airport.

Exceptions to the ban are made, however. Quart-sized Ziploc bags used to hold toiletries may be brought into the country under the assumption that they will be in permanent possession of guests, and not disposed of in the country. Additionally, plastic or plastic packaging required for medical services or which have industrial, foodstuff, sanitary or waste management uses are excepted from the new ban.

While Albatros expects airport staff to be helpful to incoming visitors who might not be fully aware of the new rules, the law is being taken seriously, so it is advisable that guests be prepared.

This move comes as global awareness continues to grow about the damage caused to the planet’s ecosystems and wildlife by non-biodegradable waste. Tanzania joins its East African neighbors Kenya and Rwanda in imposing a ban, putting the region at the forefront of fighting plastic pollution.