Dubai has announced from Jan 1st 2024 that there is a new ban on single-use plastics.
Dubai has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by implementing a ban on single-use plastic bags starting January 1st, 2024. The initiative, initially proposed in January 2023, is now being enforced following a resolution issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, on Sunday, December 31st, 2023.
This resolution marks the commencement of the ban on single-use plastic bags, with a broader plan to extend restrictions to all single-use disposable and recycled products. Single-use bags specifically will be prohibited from June 1st, 2024. The comprehensive approach includes restrictions on the import and trading of various single-use plastic and non-plastic items, encompassing food delivery packaging, fruit and vegetable wrapping, thick plastic bags, plastic containers, and packaging materials made partially or entirely of plastic, such as those used for plastic bottles, snack bags, wet wipes, balloons, and food packaging.
The following year the ban will extend to cover single-use plastic products like stirrers, table covers, cups, styrofoam food containers, plastic straws, and plastic cotton swabs. Further measures are anticipated for 2026, prohibiting other plastic or foam products, including cups, plates, cutlery, boxes, and containers in Dubai.
The introduction of a plastic bag charge in July 2022, with a cost of 25 fils for a single-use plastic bag by the end of 2023, has prepared Dubai residents for this transformative change. Recognizing the environmental impact, with a plastic bag taking 400 years to decompose and thousands of years for the negative effects to dissipate, the community is encouraged to embrace reusable alternatives such as tote bags.
As the ban takes effect, individuals may find themselves exploring eco-friendly options during the New Year sales – we recommend one of the beautifully designed totes from supermarket Waitrose, which is stylish enough for beach and bar and only costs AED 50.
