DUBAI: In a major step towards going sustainable and eco-friendly, Dubai has banned single-use of plastic bags in the city. The ban comes after the ruling establishment issued a resolution promoting eco-friendly lifestyles and reusable products to protect the environment.
The ban has come into effect from Monday, January 1, 2024. The resolution was issued on the last day of the year 2023 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The landmark move by the one of the most popular UAE Emirate is aimed at encouraging the private sector to use recycled products. The initiative is in line with circular economy practices that promote sustainable recycling in local markets.
The Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported that the new resolution aims to regulate the use and recycling of single-use and plastic products. It covers sellers and consumers in private development zones and free zones. It also includes the Dubai International Financial Centre.
After the ban, the Dubai Municipality in partnership with other organisations is striving to promote awareness campaigns. It will also encourage sellers to support moves to reduce plastic usage and will work towards promoting reusable alternatives to environmental impact.
The ban includes single-use disposable and recycled products, including plastics and non-plastic items. Food delivery packaging materials, fruit and vegetable wrapping, plastic containers, and packaging materials either partially or entirely made of plastic. The resolution also introduces a phased ban on the import and trading of single-use products.
While the plastic single-use plastic ban has come into effect immediately, non-plastic single-use products, including single-use bags, will come under the ambit of the ban from June 1, 2024. Starting from January 1, 2025, single-use plastic products like stirrers, cups, styrofoam containers, straws, and cotton swabs will also be banned.
There is an exemption for singleuse plastic bags, including thin-film rolls for packaging meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, bread, and garbage bags. Exemptions also extend to products intended for export or reexport outside the country.
The violators of this ban shall face a fine of 200 dirham. If the same violation is repeated within one year from the date of the previous offence, the penalty will be doubled, with a maximum not exceeding 2,000 dirham.
