The Dubai Municipality has banned the sale and circulation of one-time use disposable mobile phone chargers in the emirate based on health and safety concerns. They also gave shops retailing these products a one month deadline to return them to their country of origin.
Branded as ‘Power Patch’ the small and wireless portable chargers for both Android and iOS phones are sold online through a website. Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality has issued a decree banning these chargers that pose environmental hazard, it was announced yesterday.
Redha Salman, director of Health and Safety Department said that the decision of the Director General of the Municipality came after they confirmed the non-feasibility of using these chargers and their dangerous effects on the environment. "They are also increasing the quantity of electronic waste in the general waste, which constitutes an environmental burden. Besides the environmental damage, these chargers also cause financial loss to the public due to their short life," said Salman.
He said that with this circular, the Municipality aims to raise the level of public and environmental safety and hopes everyone will remain committed and will contribute to achieving this goal. Otherwise, the official said, it will be considered as a clear violation of the provisions of Local Order No. 11 of 2003 on public health and safety of the society.
"Therefore, all necessary legal procedures will be taken against the violating establishments in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations," he added.
The decree was issued based on the Municipality's keenness to implement the highest standards of health and safety based on the Local Order No. 10 of 2003 on the technical requirements to be provided in electrical appliances in the emirate of Dubai and also the Local Order No. 11 of 2003 on Public Health and Community Safety in Dubai, municipality said in a press release.