Abu Dhabi: Restrictions on single-use plastic products and their alternatives will take effect in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi tomorrow (Wednesday). As part of this, the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency conducted a training workshop for inspectors from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA).
The new law is being implemented in April 2022 as part of a unified one-time plastic policy approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the governor’s representative in the Al Dhafra region and chairman of the EAD’s board of directors. Consumption of disposable plastic products in Abu Dhabi will be phased out and recyclables will be promoted.
Excluded
Prescription bags for pharmacies, vegetable rolls, meat, fish, chicken, cereals and bread (note bags) are excluded from the ban. This is in addition to excluding large shopping bags designed for fashion or electronic gadgets, toys, waste bags of various sizes and types, bags designed for storing letters, postal parcels or magazines and newspapers. Bags for carrying plants, flowers and laundry bags are also excluded.
The single-use plastic policy restricts the sale of disposable plastic bags to all retailers. Meanwhile, from July 1, Dubai will introduce a mandatory 25 fils rate per single use bag.
The shops will be monitored by inspectors
Inspectors will oversee the implementation of the single-use bag ban in accordance with technical standards approved by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC). Some leading retailers recently signed a joint declaration to implement the new policy and ensure alternatives, resources and funding to support environmental protection.
Retailers and outlets will charge customers for each of the multiple use plastic bags. The agency, in coordination with related organizations, will develop and implement programs to make community members aware of the importance of using longevity and multi-use alternatives to single-use products.