Plastic Handling and Pollution, a Study on the Effect of “Polluter Pays” Principle in Lodwar Town, Turkana County, Kenya

Aim/Background: The rapid growth of population in many developing countries has led to an increased generation of waste notably plastic and this has led to a serious environmental problem, which is of great public health concern. Unacceptable plastic waste disposal, due to insufficient human and financial capacity, is a challenge facing Kenya and other developing countries. This study investigated the effect of “polluter pay” principle on plastic handling and pollution in Lodwar town Turkana County. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional-descriptive study design targeting residents of Lodwar town, municipal workers, county National Environment Management Authority officers and public health department officers at the county was adopted. Data were then analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Results: The findings reveal that majority (48.1%) of the residents disagreed that the municipality sets certain fee and charges to the residents for residual waste per household, per square metre living space. In addition, majority (53.9%) also disagreed that Tax system has been put in place for landfill tax for contaminated site remediation. Majority (71.9%) of the residents agreed that Deposit System has been put in place waste types (for example glass bottles, plastic bottles. However, majority (43.2%) of the residents disagreed that there is producer responsibility driven systems for packaging, electric/electronic waste. From the chi-square analysis the “Polluter Pays” Principle is statistically significantly (X 2 =93.572) associated with plastic waste handling. Conclusion: The study concludes that “polluter pays” principle have a significant effect on plastic waste handling in Lodwar municipality. Contrary the municipality has not put in place for landfill tax for contaminated site remediation. Recommendation: The study recommends that County administration should put in place mechanisms to attract and leverage public private partnership as a vehicle to mobilize resources and enhance private sector participation in sustainable waste management and circular economy development activities.