(+254) 794 864 438
PAKPRO Pilots Safe Diaper Disposal Model
Wednesday, 18th February 2026, Nairobi: The Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PAKPRO) has expanded its mandate beyond non-hazardous packaging to include hazardous packaging waste management in line with the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations, 2024 strengthening its support to producers navigating evolving compliance obligations.
This expansion is anchored in Section 9. (1), (2) and (3) of the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations, 2024:
Section 9. (1) The Authority shall register extended producer responsibility schemes as—
(a) individual producer responsibility compliance schemes where there is a single producer; or
(b) collective producer responsibility compliance schemes where there is more than one producer.
(2) For the purposes of sub-regulation (1)(b), the collective schemes shall be established on the basis of similarity of products, their uses and the nature of waste arising therefrom.
(3) The registered extended producer responsibility schemes shall establish appropriate mechanisms and structures for the management of each product under its respective category.
To operationalize this mandate, PAKPRO has developed the relevant Extended Producer Responsibility Plan for our hazardous packaging waste streams that share common material characteristics and post-consumer risk profiles. These include:
In addition, on 13th February 2026, PAKPRO successfully conducted a pilot collection and safe incineration of used diapers across Nairobi and Kiambu counties.
Absorbent hygiene products like diapers are fast becoming a major environmental and public health hazard when dumped openly. Our pilot project tested a structured recovery system using Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to evaluate its financial potential and scalability for wider rollout.
From the recent Pilot, PAKPRO recovered 3,900 kg of diapers collected from 5 MRFs across Nairobi and Kiambu regions. The findings confirm that diaper waste recovery is viable at scale when supported by coordinated routing, structured segregation, and volume aggregation.
PAKPRO Chief Executive Officer, Joyce Gachugi-Waweru, said: “Hazardous waste requires disciplined systems, clear accountability, and scalable models. This pilot provides data-driven evidence that structured diaper recovery can work efficiently within Kenya’s evolving regulatory framework, we will also be rolling out takeback programs for these sectors”
PAKPRO is looking to build a scalable system within different material streams as part of its operational expansion mandate, and the pilot provides a clear pathway for national rollout. A core focus is engaging consumers on separation at source – where households or businesses sort recyclables like diapers into dedicated bins right at the point of disposing, before mixing with general trash – to boost weekly volumes per facility while keeping materials clean for efficient recovery. We are also looking for partners to create incentive frameworks for recovery actors, enhancing value chain participation and data reliability.
As part of the mandate, expansion enables PAKPRO to support producer compliance with hazardous waste obligations, develop structured collection and environmentally sound disposal systems. It will also include strengthening traceability and regulatory reporting and Partnerships with licensed hazardous waste treatment facilities.
As Kenya transitions to enforcement of the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations, 2024, PAKPRO has aligned its model to support strengthening of Kenya’s EPR ecosystem and contribution to the circular economy while safeguarding environmental and public health standards.
“ We’ve consistently shown our ability to revolutionize the waste management sector, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that all post-consumer waste is collected for recycling and other treatment. However, this can only be accomplished through deliberate collaboration between government, producers, waste handlers, and the private sector. Sustainable outcomes will only be achieved through structured collaboration, accountability, and shared responsibility.” concluded Ms. Waweru.
PAKPRO remains committed to enabling compliant, efficient, and environmentally responsible waste management systems that support both business continuity and national sustainability goals.
*ENDS*
About Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PAKPRO)
PAKPRO is a not-for-profit, business-member organisation that offers extended producer responsibility solutions for all non-hazardous and hazardous packaging materials in Kenya. Our offering covers a range of material recovery now including hazardous and non-hazardous packaging made from PET plastics, all Rigid and Flexible plastics, Liquid Board Packaging, Glass, Paper, Cardboard, General Aluminum, Tin, Steel, and Composites. Our business model focuses on creating value across all the value chains and for all our stakeholders.
More information about PAKPRO is available at www.pakpro.co.ke
For enquiries contact: info@pakpro.co.ke