Abu Dhabi is set to implement the ban on single-use plastic bags come June 1, the emirate’s environmental agency announced on Wednesday, April 6.
The decision is based on plans introduced in 2020 to phase out disposable plastics and is part of the UAE’s vision to improve Abu Dhabi’s sustainable living.
The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) has stated that it intends to gradually minimize the usage of single-use plastic products in the emirate and promote the use of reusable items.
EAD plans to carry out measures to reduce demand for roughly 16 single-use plastic products, including cups, stirrers, lids, and cutlery.
RELATED STORY: Abu Dhabi residents to enjoy free bus rides in exchange for plastic bottles – here’s how
By 2024, the agency aims to phase out single-use styrofoam cups, plates, and food containers.
According to EAD, they have been coordinating extensively with strategic partners – particularly plastic producers and retailers – since March 2020 to ensure the successful implementation of new technical standards for multi-use bags.
Moreover, the agency plans to launch a wide-scale awareness campaign across the emirates to disseminate information to the public regarding the new procedures.
“As part of our plan to completely curb the use of single-use plastics, we are encouraging Abu Dhabi citizens to use more multipurpose and re-usable materials to reduce their environmental footprint,” said Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD.
READ ON: Dubai to charge 0.25 fils on single-use plastic bags from July 1
“Today, we are introducing a ban on single-use plastic bags in the Capital in light of their harmful impacts on the environment and biodiversity,” she added.
The EAD has been executing methods to decrease the usage of single-use plastics by organizing clean-up events and awareness campaigns to educate people regarding the harm plastics may bring to marine habitats and beaches.
Meanwhile, several restaurants are now undertaking initiatives to limit single-use plastic consumption, and some large retailers are pushing customers to use reusable shopping bags instead.
EAD is also conducting a comprehensive study for the introduction of an incentive-based, single-use plastic water bottle return scheme in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with more than 30 private and public institutions.
