Kitwe Mayor calls for statutory instrument to combat beverage waste

Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe says there is need for government to issue a statutory instrument compelling beverage companies to manage the waste generated by their products.

Mr. Kang’ombe says while appreciating the efforts by selected beverage manufacturing companies under their Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes to assist with waste management; this should not be viewed as a favor to the cities and the public.

He says best practices in developed countries reveal that it is the responsibility of the beverage producers to manage the waste generated from the bottles and empty packs used.

Mr. Kang’ombe says this is clearly an environmental issue that demands a long term and sustainable solution which transfers responsibility to both the producer and the consumer.

He states that in short, all the companies producing both alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages should by law be compelled to work with government and the residents in managing waste from the empty bottles and packs.

Mr Kang’ombe has since proposed that a Statutory Instrument that should make it mandatory for beverage manufacturers to meet their obligations in the area of waste management be issued.