Dubai implements ban on single-use plastic bags

UAE – Dubai has imposed a ban on plastic bags from 1 January 2024, under the Executive Council Resolution No. (124) of 2023 concerning single-use products.

Spearheaded by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this resolution aims to foster sustainable recycling practices and curtail the country’s environmental footprint.

Encompassing an array of single-use disposable products like food delivery packaging, robust plastic bags, and various plastic containers irrespective of their material composition, this ban applies universally within Dubai, including private and free zones. Its implementation is structured across gradual phases spanning the coming years.

Exceptions to the ban include specific items such as waste bags and thin film rolls designated for packaging meat, vegetables, and other food items. Additionally, products intended for export are exempted.

Failure to comply with this resolution incurs a fine of Dh200 (US$54.46), escalating for repeat violations within a year, reaching a maximum penalty of Dh2,000 (US$544.60).

Dubai’s government, primarily through its Dubai Municipality body collaborating with pertinent entities, has committed to orchestrating awareness campaigns to urge citizens to minimize plastic usage and opt for eco-friendly alternatives.

Concurrently, the Dubai Municipality has initiated a social endeavor aimed at amplifying recycling efforts and mitigating the environmental repercussions of waste materials.

This comprehensive initiative intends to galvanize governmental and private sectors towards proactive waste management, escalating the quantity and quality of recycled materials.

Emphasizing sustainability, a circular economy, and waste recycling, this initiative aligns with the municipality’s goals and strategies for sanitation and waste management.

As part of this initiative, the Dubai Municipality has distributed 100 smart plastic packaging containers to various educational institutions and agencies, with plans to collect and recycle three million plastic packaging units, equivalent to approximately 60 tons of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) commonly used in soft drink, juice, water, and food packaging.

The municipality has established 17 public collection centers across populous areas and installed four smart plastic packaging recovery devices in prominent public facilities. Additionally, ten specialized plastic packaging containers cater to beachgoers’ recycling needs.

Director General Dawoud Al Hajri highlighted the initiative’s aim to enhance social responsibility and engage both public and private entities in reducing plastic harm, reinforcing sustainability while diminishing carbon footprints.

Al Hajri emphasized the alignment of this initiative with Dubai’s commitment to environmental sustainability, its strategic waste management goals, and the UAE’s larger vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Furthermore, the initiative includes a unique facet of repurposing recycled plastic bottles to manufacture uniforms for municipal sanitation workers, sponsored by DGRADE, marking a distinctive step toward environmental sustainability.

For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.