Plastic waste management is one of the key global environmental challenges, requiring effective and sustainable measures to prevent and mitigate the adverse impacts of plastic waste. Efficient and forward-looking policies, supported by an enabling governance framework, can significantly contribute to achieving this goal. However, many countries are struggling to establish and effectively implement policy instruments for managing plastic waste. The Rwandan ban on plastic is widely recognised in policy circles in the Global North; however, it has been somewhat misrepresented, as the actual strategy for managing plastic waste in Rwanda is far more complex. It involves a combination of policies and the active engagement of stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, and civil society organisations. This blend of incentives and disincentives offers important lessons for countries in the Global North. While the Rwandan case cannot be regarded as a definitive blueprint, it can indeed serve as an inspiration for good practices, balancing the use of sticks and carrots, as well as consistency and intentionality in the implementation process.