Abu Dhabi and Dubai will implement a ban on select styrofoam and single-use bags starting June 1.
The ban on styrofoam products, announced by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), is part of the emirate’s larger policy on single-use plastics, which aims to reduce the reliance on such products that are harmful to the environment.
The list of banned products includes cups, lids, plates and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene.
Similarly, food container vessels for products that are intended for immediate consumption, either on the spot or for takeaway, and containers that have a product that is typically consumed from the receptacle and is ready to be consumed without any further preparation such as cooking, boiling, or heating, will also be prohibited.
What is not banned?
The products exempt from the ban include those not designed for single-consumer use, such as large storage boxes and coolers, and trays used for meat, fruit, ready-made dairy products, and other food items for retail sale.
Additionally, all other products designed for medical uses are also exempted.
“Inspired by the success of the ban on single-use plastic bags, we expect to see emirate-wide compliance and collaboration from our stakeholders in the government and private sector, as we know that by working together we will witness the best results. I also expect the community to play a critical role in ensuring the ban is a success,” said Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of EAD.
“Our greater goal is to reduce harmful microplastics from entering the food chain, which can have detrimental effects on human health, biodiversity, and our natural ecosystems. We want the future generations to inherit a bountiful environment filled with all types of species so that they can live in proximity to nature as part of a fruitful lifestyle,” she elaborated.
Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is supporting EAD’s move by raising awareness among commercial outlets and industrial facilities in the emirate to comply with the single-use plastic policy.
ADDED has shared the circular on styrofoam ban with more than 50,000 commercial establishments and 80 industrial facilities involved in plastic manufacturing. ADDED will also conduct field inspection campaigns on sales outlets and industrial establishments to ensure the implementation of the ban across Abu Dhabi.
EAD announced the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy in 2020 and, in 2022, issued a ban on single-use plastic bags in partnership with retailers.
Ban on single-use bags in Dubai
Starting June 1, all single-use bags will be banned in Dubai. This ban is part of a larger campaign, rolled out on January 1, 2024, to eliminate the use of single-use plastics in the emirate.
On January 1, 2024, the ban on single-use plastic bags came into effect. Moreover, a tariff of 25 fils was to remain on all other bags until June 1, 2024.
On June 1, the ban is extended to cover all single-use bags.
Next, on January 1, 2025, the ban on products such as plastic stirrers, styrofoam food containers, plastic table covers, plastic cotton swabs, plastic straws and single-use styrofoam cups will come into effect.
Finally, on January 1, 2026, the ban on single-use plastic cups and lids, single-use plastic cutlery, plastic food containers and plastic plates will be rolled out.
Are all single-use bags banned?
The comprehensive ban on single-use bags will include all types of bags that are 57 micrometres thick or less, the Dubai Municipality said.
Bread bags, trash bin liners, wrapping bags for vegetables, meats, fish, and chicken, bags thicker than 57 micrometres, laundry bags, electronic device bags, various garbage bags and grain bags are exempt from the ban.
The ban also does not include bags used for products packaged online.
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