Dubai to impose tariff on single-use bags

Dubai will introduce a charge of 25 fils on single-use plastic bags from July 1.

The Executive Council of Dubai said the tariff will apply to single-use carrier bags in all stores, including retail, restaurants, pharmacies and e-commerce orders.

It's part of a major policy, which targets a complete ban on single-use plastic bags in two years' time.

#TECofDubai approves policy to limit single-use bags to enhance environmental sustainability pic.twitter.com/A9xQOjc6uT

— المجلس التنفيذي (@TECofDubai) February 7, 2022

With sustainability becoming a global priority, changing the behaviour of the community to reduce the environmental footprint of individuals is crucial to preserve natural resources and environmental habitats.

The introduction of the policy to limit and ultimately ban single-use bags is aimed at strengthening Dubai’s sustainability objectives in line with global best practices.

The tariff is currently in effect in over 30 countries, and a partial or complete ban has been implemented in more than 90 countries globally, reflecting the magnitude of international efforts to reduce the consumption of single-use bags.

In line with the environmental objectives set out in the UAE's National Agenda, government entities have implemented programmes to enhance environmental protection and resource conservation.

These include an integrated waste management strategy for the emirate; reducing harmful fishing practices such as banning the use of nets; and the enforcement of fees for waste disposal beginning January 2022, which significantly helps reduce waste production and dumping of waste in landfills.

The Dubai Government has also invested in several projects aimed at turning waste into resources.

Furthermore, the government actively encourages the Dubai community to improve practices in sustainable waste segregation and disposal.

These waste management efforts will fundamentally promote economic, environmental, and social sustainability while building an ecosystem that preserves natural resources, and supports the adoption of a green, low carbon economy in alignment with the Dubai Waste Management Strategy 2041, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals announced by the United Nations for 2030.