Research

Plastic Waste Management Policy – Learnings from Rwanda for the Rest of the World

Author: Parfait Yongabo, Sylvie Mucyo, Jean de Dieu Iyakare, Assiel Mugabe, Osile Ndahimana, Mazimpaka Louis Herman, Liliane Mutayomba and Chantal Mukarugira.

Institution: Rwanda Polytechnic

Date: 2026

Summary: Rwanda’s approach to waste management serves as a notable example for examining how a relatively impoverished country successfully reduced waste within a short timeframe. To better understand the practical mechanisms at play, this chapter analyses key policy actions, relevant laws, as well as their implementation and enforcement. It also investigates key issues regarding stakeholders’ involvement and the incentives designed to encourage behavioural changes among communities and individuals. It draws on three types of sources: the scholarly literature on Rwanda, a collection of policy documents such as reports, legal documents, and other government outputs, as well as findings from stakeholder discussions. It categorises this material into three distinct groups: first, it addresses all measures related to government activities; second, it examines the engagement of the private sector; and finally, it focuses on awareness-raising and community education. Reference Url: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-11061-9