Dubai Gears Up to Regulate the Use of Single-Use Bags from July 1

Dubai will be introducing a new policy to regulate the use of single-use bags in the city from July 1. According to the policy, 25 fils will be charged to use plastic and other single-use bags across Dubai. This is in the wake of banning plastic completely from Dubai in two years. Here is everything you need to know about the policy.

Environmental Sustainability

The idea is to limit the use of single-use bags in order to enhance environmental sustainability. Single-use bags, not just plastic, take 400 years to decompose and also thousands of years to reduce their negative effects. Apart from this, it has also been found that many animals are affected by the improper disposal of plastic. For instance, 86% of sea turtles found dead on the beaches had consumed plastic materials and 50% of dead camels found have consumed plastic. These are serious environmental threats and need immediate attention.

The single-use bags used to carry goods and products from stores are the major reasons behind environmental pollution and litter. These are used only once or twice and after disposal, do not decompose for years. While plastic is the major threat, other materials are also harmful, in the production stage.

What is being Charged?

At this point, all single-use bags to carry goods from shops come under the tariff of 25 fils. Every bag made of plastic, biodegradable plastic, paper and plant-based biodegradable materials less than 57 micrometres thick will be charged. By putting a tariff on all these single-use bags will ensure that customers would rely less on them and start using reusable bags instead.

Applicable to All Stores

The tariff is applicable to all stores across Dubai. It can be invoiced to the customer just like any other item during their purchase. There is no limit in the number of bags that can be provided to the customer, however, it is encouraged that they restrict themselves from using more and bring their own bags.

Why are Bags of Other Materials also Charged?

Single-use bags, irrespective of the material with which they are made, are hazardous to the environment in the long run. In fact, alternative for plastic poses larger environmental footprint. For example, large number of trees are cut down during the making of paper bags, and they also consume a lot of energy and resources. The only advantage compared to plastic is that they are easier to manage at the disposal stage and the damages they cause are lesser, if used properly. So, bags of all kinds under 57 micrometres thickness are charged in the new policy.

Restrictions on plastic and single-use bags are already in place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will implement the same from July 1. Eventually, in 2 years’ time, the city plans to completely ban and eliminate single-use bags and plastic.

This is indeed a great move and the Al Nahda Center, Dubai will be supporting the Government in our full capacity to ensure that this new decision is respected and implemented. We will ensure that the use of single-use bags is restricted in our facility.