Ethiopia’s parliament passed a new national dry waste management and disposal law during its 33rd regular session, officially designating it as Proclamation No. 1383/2017.

The new proclamation imposes fines ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 Birr on individuals found in possession of single-use plastic bags, including the commonly used one-Birr bags for packaging injera, bread, and other goods.

The Dry Waste Management and Disposal Proclamation, ratified on Tuesday further enforces stricter penalties on manufacturers, importers, marketers, retailers, and commercial stores of single-use plastic bags. Violators in these categories face fines between 50,000 and 200,000 Birr and imprisonment of up to five years.

However, the measure has stirred concern among members of parliament, who questioned the practicality and fairness of the regulation. (Borkena)