LINEAR VS CIRCULAR ECONOMIC MODEL FOR PLASTICS USAGE IN UGANDA

The large scale use of plastics in Uganda was evident, in the 1990s. This initial stage of plastics utilization was using a linear economic model. Basically, plastics were bought, used once and thrown into garbage. The linear economic model of plastic use gradually become troublesome. Several of the problems created by this model included blockage of drainage systems in metropolitan areas, consumption of plastics by wild life and fish and many more issues.

Due the above mentioned constraints as the result of the linear economic model for plastics consumption in Uganda, the government created the National Environmental Management Act of 2019. This legislation outlaws the importation and manufacture of plastics bags of less than 30 microns. It is presumed that plastics bags of less than 30 microns are not recyclable. It is this legislation that has gradually created the circular economic model for plastics usage.

Generally the circular economic model for plastics usage requires the manufacture of high density plastics that can be processed into plastic flakes. It is these plastic flakes that are recycled into new plastics products. The negative impact of the circular economic model for plastics usage on the environment is exceptionally low since the plastics are re-used. Yet, it's positive economic impact on society is high since it creates income generating activities for the people. Additionally, the products created through this model are generally cheap. This makes accessibility to plastic products far easier.

In conclusion, it is my opinion that the road that Uganda has taken to implement the circular economic model for plastics usage is the right one. Its positive economic impact on the society is self evident. Since numerous families are economically reliant on the gathering and separation used plastics. However, its effect on the environment is yet to be impactful since a limited percentage of the plastics are collected for recycling.