Dubai Municipality has announced an updated guide providing more details for businesses on the city’s ban on select single-use plastic items, WAM reported.
The ban was introduced in January following a resolution by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
It aims to reduce plastic waste and encourage more sustainable practices.
“Dubai Municipality is committed to transforming Dubai into a leading and sustainable global city. This comprehensive guide has been launched to answer questions on single-use plastics and green alternatives in line with our support for all individuals, businesses and institutions to adopt sustainable practices,” Mohammed Alrayees, Head of Waste Strategy and Projects Department, said.
The new awareness guide expands on information for implementing the rules under the emirate’s #DubaiMoreSustainable campaign, which promotes sustainability efforts aligned with the UAE’s climate goals.
It offers advice for individuals, companies and institutions to integrate environmentally-friendly habits in their daily routines. The guide is available bilingually online.
New Dubai single-use plastic ban dates announced
Under the new guide, the emirate’s plastic ban will be implemented in phases according to the updated awareness guide.
The 25 fils charge on single-use plastic bags will be removed on June 1st, 2024, when all bags under 57 micrometers thick are prohibited.
Certain items will be banned from January 1st, 2025 including plastic straws, stirrers, Styrofoam food containers and table covers, as well as cotton swabs.
Single-use plastic cups, cutlery and food packaging will no longer be allowed from January 1st, 2026.
Repeat violations within a year will be subject to fines doubling to a maximum of AED2,000, however, exemptions exist for thicker bags and those used for meats, vegetables or online orders.
While biodegradable alternatives also present environmental issues, reusable bags provide a long-term substitute. Non-compliant stores can be reported using emirate consumer protection channels.
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