Abu Dhabi affirms single-use plastic ban
EAD officials visit retailers on Day 1 to ensure compliance with new policy on plastic bags
As the ban on singleuse plastics came into effect in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, major retailers began offering environmentallyfriendly reusable bags to customers at a nominal fee.
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) said retailers are providing alternative plastic bags to shoppers for a minimum fee of 50 fils.
“These fees aim to reduce the number of bags used in shopping where possible and encourage reuse of these bags where necessary. Consumers can avoid this cost by reducing the number of bags or bringing their own bags from home,” a statement from EAD read.
Abu Dhabi’s integrated Singleuse Plastic Policy prevents the sale of single-use plastic bags by retailers.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of EAD who went around Abu Dhabi to witness compliance with the ban, said there are reusable alternative bags that have a lower environmental impact regardless of the material they are made of.
According to EAD, the alternative bags should have a thickness of less than 50 microns. The alternate bags which can be used four to 10 times, have a load-bearing capacity of 15 litres.
“Today is a historic day for Abu Dhabi, as we implement the ban of single-use plastic bags as part of our policy. It was very encouraging to see all the main retailers in the capital adhering to the ban and adjusting their operations to ensure that consumers have environmentally-friendly alternatives to avoid single-use plastic bags for their groceries,” said Dr Al Dhaheri
The officials visited major hypermarkets such as Lulu Hypermarket at Mushrif Mall, Carrefour Airport Road, Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society along Muroor Road, and Spinneys on Muroor Road.
Hypermarkets and stores have begun providing alternative reusable bags and single-use paper bags at fees ranging from 25 fils to Dh11.50. These include jute bags, biodegradable bags, woven bags, juco bags, plant-based bags, paper bags, recycled paper bags, cloth bags, and starch-based bags, among others.
Dr Al Dhaheri added: “We want to encourage people to avoid using plastic bags when they are not really required.
“This is in addition to adopting eco-friendly practices such as encouraging reuse of plastic bottles, and avoiding littering.
“We are aware that change takes time, and we believe the community can take positive steps towards utilising reusable bags to ensure the Capital offers a healthy environment for all. I am optimistic the current and future generations will reap positive rewards from this bold step,” she said.