Plastic in Kenya: From the dump to the stomach
The ban on plastic bags in Kenya has come into force. At the country's largest landfill, one can see how plastic waste can unintentionally make its way into the food chain.
Profiting from waste
Garbage collectors sort through reusable materials at the Dandora landfill site on the outskirts of Kenya's capital, Nairobi.
Garbage as far as the eye can see
Dandora is the main dumping ground in Nairobi. Many people make their livelihoods out of scavenging what others have thrown away.
A heavy load
The garbage collectors are paid by weight. There are fixed prices per kilo for glass, metal and plastic. On a good day a collector can earn approximately 3 euros.
A feast for the birds
Most of the garbage consists of plastic, including countless shopping bags. But wildlife also make the most of the organic waste which can also be found in Dandora: these Marabou storks find plenty to eat here.
Our food eats our garbage
These cows also feed on the organic waste which can be found amongst the plastic.
From the dump to the slaughterhouse
Some of the cows, which had been grazing on the waste in Dandora, later find themselves in the slaughterhouse.
Return of the plastic
But bits of plastic can be found in the stomachs of these cows which are intended for human consumption. It is hoped that the ban on plastic bags will help reduce dangerous health and environmental impacts like this.