SOMETIME back in 2010, the Environmental Management Agency noted
kaylite as an emerging environmental issue. In 2011, consultations and
engagement of retailers and manufacturers commenced on how best it
can be managed, resulting in the formation of the Polystyrene Council of
Zimbabwe. The Council proposed to manage their product but nothing
happened. The re-engagement exercise continued in order to come up
with a sustainable solution to the problem at hand
Promulgation of kaylite legislation
In 2012, Statutory Instrument 84 of 2012 to ban kaylite was gazetted.
The Polystyrene Council of Zimbabwe resumed engaging and were given
an opportunity to put in place tangible strategies to manage kaylite. In
November/December of 2015, the then Minister of Environment, Water
and Climate gave a six-month phase out period of kaylite up to June 31,

2016. Engagement with the council continued as they promised to set a
pyrolysis plant to recycle kaylite. However there was a setback as the
leadership of the council changed and the new office bearers promised
to make a difference but nothing materialised
What is the main reason behind the ban?
 The use of expanded polystyrene (kaylite) has increased in the
country and currently there are no meaningful initiatives for its
management. You will appreciate that kaylite waste has become
an eyesore and one of the most dominant waste stream especially
in the urban areas and along our major highways.
 Statutory Instrument 98 of 2010 as read with SI 84 of 2012
(Plastic Packaging and Plastic Bottles Regulations), bans
the manufacture, importation and distribution of polystyrene.
 To protect the citizens of Zimbabwe from the environmental and
health impacts of kaylite.
Activation of Statutory Instrument 84 of 2012
In July 2017, the Environmental Management Agency activated
Statutory Instrument 84 of 2012, which prohibits the manufacture or
importation of expanded polystyrene (kaylite) for use or commercial
distribution within Zimbabwe.
Anyone who contravenes provisions of the statutory instrument
shall be guilty of an offence.
These environmental facts and tips are brought to you by the
Environmental Management Agency, Mashonaland West Province. For
further information visit our Offices in all the Districts of the Province.
You can also contact us on 08677006244 or toll free on 08080028, Like

us on Facebook page Environmental Management Agency or visit our
website www.ema.co.zw. We are ready to listen.