Rwandan MPs Call for More Time to Phase Out Plastics

MPs in Rwanda have called for businesses to be allowed more time to phase out single use plastics. The recommendation comes as parliament gave its approval to the basis of a draft law to ban their use.

Drafted with environmental considerations in mind, the government has provided for a two-year period in which firms will need to make the transition. However, some MPs have raised concerns that business plans and contracts will usually extend well beyond such a period.

With plastic bags already banned ten years ago, the new law is expected to bring an end to plastic straws, coffee stirrers and drinks bottles, among other items.