Dubai Municipality released a guide outlining a phased ban on various single-use plastic products. This initiative, part of the #DubaiMoreSustainable campaign launched during COP28, aims to raise awareness and encourage adherence to the new regulations. The guide has been updated with additional details to assist individuals, businesses and institutions, in adopting sustainable practices at work and home.
According to the guide, Dubai will stop the charge of 25 fils on single-use plastic bags and enforce a complete ban on all single-use bags starting 1 June 2024.
The types of bags that are banned include:
Plastic bags.
Paper bags.
Bags that are 58 micrometres thick
Bags made from biodegradable plant materials- Biodegradable bags.
Why Is There A Ban On Biodegradable Bags
The ban on biodegradable bags is due to their need for specific recycling facilities. When disposed of in landfills, they break down into small plastic particles known as microplastics, which can be ingested by animals, thus entering the food chain.
.jpg)
Ban That Will Come Into Effect In 2025 And 2026
Starting 1 January 2025, the ban will extend to plastic stirrers, styrofoam food containers, plastic table covers, plastic cotton swabs, plastic straws, and single-use styrofoam cups. Then, from 1 January 2026, single-use plastic cups and lids, single-use plastic cutlery, plastic food containers, and plastic plates will also be prohibited.
What Are The Exemptions
The ban excludes certain items such as bread bags, trash bin liners, wrapping bags for vegetables, meats, fish, and chicken, bags thicker than 57 micrometres, laundry bags, electronic device bags, various garbage bags, grain bags, and bags used for products purchased online.
Penalty and Fines
Penalties will apply for failure to comply with the regulations governing the use of single-use products in Dubai.
People who continue using banned single-use products will face a fine of Dhs 200, which will double for repeat offences within a year from the date of the previous violation, with a maximum penalty not exceeding Dhs 2,000. It means, if you repeat the same offence within a year from your previous offence, you will have to pay a fine of Dhs 400 instead of Dhs 200.