Dubai: In line with its ambitions to boost environmental sustainability and encourage residents to reduce the excessive use of plastics, the Government of Dubai will impose a tariff of 25 fils on single-use bags used for carrying goods, beginning 1st July, 2022.
The move which is expected to discourage the use of single-use plastic bags, will be implemented in all stores across the Emirate including, but not limited to, retail stores, textile and electronic stores, restaurants, pharmacies, online and e-commerce deliveries.
The new policy, approved by the Executive Council of Dubai is expected to be reviewed periodically until the single-use carrier bags are completely banned within a span of two years.
The changes caused by the ban are expected to ultimately contribute to a healthier environment, which is vital to maintaining a sustainable and high quality of life.
GLOBAL PRACTISE
More than 30 countries across the globe currently have a tariff on single-use plastic bags in place with 90+ nations having partial or complete ban.
Researchers, over the past decades have revealed obvious connection between the quality of the environment and the quality of life.
Key areas of association include:
- The impact of air, water, and soil quality on physical health
- The importance of natural habitats and biodiversity on mental health and
- The significant role that the environment plays in the local economy across vital sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and food production, amongst others.
In line with the environmental objectives set out in the National Agenda, dedicated government entities have implemented programs to enhance environmental protection and resource conservation.
These initiatives 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.
Dubai has also invested in several projects aimed at turning waste into resources. Furthermore, the government actively promotes the community to improve practices in sustainable waste segregation and disposal. These efforts contribute to providing a healthy environment as well as the conditions to encourage investments in sustainable waste and resource management, in line with the principles of a circular economy.
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.