Permanently ban the use of plastic bags in the emirates starting this date
The United Arab Emirates government has taken bold decisions to combat the increase in single-use plastic bags in stores and various stores, coinciding with the framework of recent decisions taken by the state to prevent the use of materials that lead to environmental and health damage.
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This is based on the new law issued by the “Emirates Environmental Protection and Development Authority” based on the ban imposed by the government regarding the use of single-use plastic materials.
Banning the use of plastic bags in the UAE
According to the statement issued by the Authority, the circulation and use of plastic materials in general and single-use plastic bags in particular will be prohibited starting next year 2024, based on Law No. 4 of 2023, which was announced by the government.
Single-use bags are available in convenience stores, grocery stores, clothing stores, and other stores.
Read: The UAE takes strong measures against unlicensed labor recruitment offices.
Achieving sustainability goals
The law banning the use of plastic bags in the UAE comes in line with its national sustainability campaign, and the import and production of these materials will be banned, and during the next two years until 2026, other plastic products will be banned, which include cups, plates, boxes, spoons, knives and chopsticks.
5 emirates have banned the use of single-use plastics
It is worth noting that there are 5 emirates in the United Arab Emirates that have recently imposed a ban on plastic materials.
Abu Dhabi imposed a ban on use, and the decision actually entered into force on June 1, 2022. Dubai also imposed a ban and imposed fines on retailers of 25 fils per bag.
Sharjah has also imposed a fee of 25 fils for each single-use plastic bag.
Both Umm Al Quwain and Ajman have imposed a ban on plastic bags starting in 2024, and the decision will come into effect in Ras Al Khaimah on January 1, 2024.
Regulating the use of single-use products
The government of the United Arab Emirates has put in place a number of decisions to confront single-use materials, which are considered the most environmentally advanced in the entire year, given that the increasing use of these products leads to the generation of huge amounts of waste.
It is scheduled to implement a complete ban on plastic bags by 2024, and single-use bags by 2026.
The UAE government will strive to establish a sustainable future in all sectors, as the UAE is considered one of the first countries to take effective decisions and rely on sustainable solutions to reduce the increasing consumption of single-use bags.
