Abu Dhabi: In line with its integrated single-use plastic policy introduced in 2020, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is all set to ban the use of single-use plastic bags from June 2022.
Working towards the forthcoming deadline, EAD will implement action plans to reduce the amount of single-use plastic products consumed in the Emirate and focus on the consumption of reusable products.
Towards the same, the Authority will implement measures to reduce demand for close to 16 single-use plastic products that include cups, stirrers, lids and cutlery. Further, EAD will phase out single-use Styrofoam cups, plates and food containers by 2024.
Since the launch of the policy in March 2020, the Agency has coordinated extensively with its strategic partners concerned with implementing the policy, especially plastics producers and retailers, to ensure effective implementation, as new technical standards for multi-use bags have been set.
In support of this drive, a large-scale awareness campaign will be carried out across the emirate to educate the public on the new procedures, helping to activate the ban on single-use plastic bags from June.
By launching and implementing the integrated single-use plastic policy, EAD seeks to continue the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, whose deep passion for preserving the environment inspires us in our sustainability journey. We are extremely eager to continue on our path of reducing the consumption of single-use plastics in Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD observed about the Initiative.
The EAD Secretary-General further added that, “As part of our plan to completely curb the use of single-use plastics, we are encouraging Abu Dhabi citizens to use more multipurpose and re-usable materials to reduce their environmental footprint. Today, we are introducing a ban on single-use plastic bags in the capital in light of their harmful impacts on the environment and biodiversity.”
Dr. Al Dhaheri elaborated that, “We have taken great strides toward realising the policy’s targets, and have built the regulatory framework to ensure the policy’s successful implementation.”
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC POLICY
In line with its policy for single-use plastic, EAD has conducted several clean up events and awareness campaigns inspiring community members to play a role in protecting the environment while educating people on the damage done by the amounts of single-use plastics and litter and their impact on beaches and marine habitats.
The Agency is also working with private sector companies, offering them tools to effectively plan for the policy’s implementation.
EAD is also conducting a detailed and holistic study for the introduction of an incentive-based, single-use plastic water bottle return scheme in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with more than 30 private and public entities.