June 11, 2025 – Ethiopia Enacts Groundbreaking Plastic Ban with Severe Penalties
In a bold environmental move, Ethiopia has implemented one of Africa’s strictest prohibitions against single-use plastic bags through its newly passed Dry Waste Management and Disposal Proclamation. The legislation introduces unprecedented penalties, including fines up to 20,000 Birr (US$1,100) for businesses and potential five-year imprisonment for repeat offenders.
AsiaMB has learned that the East African nation’s decisive action comes after alarming statistics revealed plastic bags constitute nearly half of the country’s plastic waste. Environment Minister Gemedo Dalle described the situation as an ecological emergency, citing plastic contamination in waterways, livestock poisoning incidents, and agricultural land degradation as critical concerns.
The comprehensive ban exempts durable plastic products like footwear and water containers while imposing citizen responsibilities for maintaining clean surroundings. Starting June 5, Ethiopia will launch nationwide educational campaigns to facilitate compliance. Industry analysts suggest this legislation may significantly impact regional color masterbatch demand patterns, particularly in packaging applications.
Environmental experts applaud Ethiopia’s approach, which combines strict enforcement with public awareness initiatives. The law requires residents to maintain a 20-meter clean perimeter around their properties, creating what officials call a “shared responsibility model” for waste management. This development positions Ethiopia as a regional leader in environmental policy innovation.