Umm Al Quwain to ban single-use plastic bags from Jan.1

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Executive Council of the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain has issued a decision banning the use of single-use plastic bags in the emirate.

According to the decision, effective from January 1, 2023, single-use plastic bags will be replaced in the emirate by multi-use bags of technical specifications and standards approved by the Umm Al Quwain Municipality, bags that are biodegradable or made of paper or woven cloth.

The decision aims at protecting the environment from the dangers of plastic pollution, reducing the negative effects resulting from erroneous practices and encouraging the environment conservation and sustainability culture protection by reducing the use of single-use plastic bags until they are completely banned.

It also aims at enhancing the behaviour of community members by means of environmental education and awareness programmes with a view to reducing the environmental footprint and supporting the emirate’s efforts towards achieving Umm Al Quwain’s sustainable blue economy strategy.

The decision pointed out that the Umm Al Quwain Municipality will be responsible for developing the plans and policies necessary to implement the provisions of this decision and presenting them to the Executive Council for approval.

The municipality will also be responsible for identifying single-use plastic bags to be banned and the exceptions thereto, and preparing and implementing awareness and educational programs on the importance of switching from using single-use plastic bags to other sustainable and multi-use options.

To fulfill the goals of this decision, sales outlets will impose a tariff of no less than 25 fils per single-use plastic bag given to a consumer, effective from January 1, 2023 before single-use plastic bags are completely banned in the emirate.