Dubai bans all single-use bags from June 1

SHOPS WILL ALSO HAVE TO STOP LEVYING 25 FILS ON PLASTIC BAGS

Dubai will implement a comprehensive ban on all single-use bags, including plastic, paper and biodegradable ones, from June 1, it was revealed yesterday.

Starting June 1, retailers will also have to stop levying the 25 fils fee which has been imposed on single-use plastic bags.

Violators face fines of Dh200, doubling for repeat offences within a year, up to Dh2,000.

The announcements came as Dubai Municipality published additional guidance for businesses and consumers on regulating the use of single-use products after the single-use plastic ban that was issued in January following a resolution by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The single-use bags that will be banned will be of 57 micrometres thick or less.

The ban on single-use products will expand in subsequent phases. From January 1, 2025, plastic stirrers, straws, table covers, Styrofoam cups and food containers, and cotton swabs will be prohibited, while on January 1, 2026, single-use plastic cups and lids, cutlery, plates and food containers will follow suit.

The policy covers single-use bags for carrying goods and excludes packaging of online products.

Exemptions

Bread bags, trash bin liners, wrapping bags for vegetables, meats, fish, and chicken, bags thicker than 57 micrometres, laundry bags, electronic device bags, various garbage bags and grain bags are also exempted from the ban.

Shoppers are encouraged to carry reusable bags and retailers will not be obliged to provide free alternatives.

From January 1, 2025, plastic stirrers, straws, table covers, Styrofoam cups and food containers, and cotton swabs will be prohibited.