His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has issued Executive Council Resolution No. 124 of 2023 on single-use products, with the primary objective of safeguarding the environment, promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle, and advancing sustainable development through the use of reusable products. With this, the usage of single-use plastic bags and products is banned from 1 January 2024. Here's everything you must know.
Banned Single-Use Products
- Plastic bags: Prohibited from 1 January 2024.
- Non-plastic single-use products (including bags): Banned from 1 June 2024.
- Plastic stirrers, table covers, cups, styrofoam food containers, plastic straws, and plastic cotton swabs: Prohibited from 1 January 2025.
- Other single-use plastic products (including plates, food containers, tableware, beverage cups, and lids): Banned from 1 January 2026.
Exemptions
- Exclusions include thin-film rolls for packaging meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, and bread, along with garbage bags.
- Items intended for export or re-export outside the country are exempt.
Responsibilities of Dubai Municipality
- Organising awareness campaigns to reduce plastic and single-use product usage.
- Encouraging sellers to support initiatives reducing plastic usage.
- Promoting the availability of reusable alternatives.
Penalties
- Violation fine: Dhs 200.
- Repeat violation within one year: Doubled penalty, with a maximum not exceeding Dhs 2,000.
- Violators can contest decisions within ten working days.
Effective Date
- The resolution is effective from 1 January 2024.