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Abu Dhabi bans single-use styrofoam products starting June

The ban targets avoidable, single-use consumer products made of expanded polystyrene

May 21, 2024

Image credit: Getty Images

As part of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s (EAD) Single-Use Plastic Policy, launched in 2020, a ban on certain Styrofoam products will come into effect on June 1, 2024.

The ban aims to reduce litter and the breakage of Styrofoam into harmful microplastics that affect human health and biodiversity.

Supporting efforts to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices, @EADTweets and @AbuDhabiDED will ban the use of single-use Styrofoam products effective from 1 June 2024, reducing the consumption and production of single-use products in the emirate. pic.twitter.com/NSqoITX6WQ

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) May 21, 2024

The ban targets avoidable, single-use consumer products made of expanded polystyrene, including:

Cups, lids, plates, and beverage containers (including caps and lids)
Food container receptacles intended for immediate consumption, either on-site or for takeaway, without further preparation.

Exempted Products:

Items not designed for single-use, such as large storage boxes, coolers, and trays used for meat, fruit, dairy products, and other food items for retail sale.
Products designed for medical use.

EAD said it will provide support to government and private sector entities to facilitate the transition to reusable solutions. Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is set to conduct field inspection campaigns on sales outlets and industrial establishments to ensure the implementation of the ban across Abu Dhabi according to the specified timetable, starting from June 1.

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, emphasised the importance of reducing single-use plastics and the positive impact on the environment. ““As an extension of the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy which we initiated in 2020, and following the extremely successful ban on single-use plastic bags in 2022 and the introduction of the Single-Use Plastic Bottle Return Scheme in 2023, effective from June 1 2024 there will be a ban on some Styrofoam products in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

“This move will help reduce litter in the environment as Styrofoam in particular breaks easily into microplastics that can enter the food chain and be harmful to human health as well as affect biodiversity.”

Previous Initiatives:

Successful ban on single-use plastic bags in 2022.
Introduction of the Single-Use Plastic Bottle Return Scheme in 2023.
Reduction of 310 million single-use plastic bags and collection of 67 million bottles by April 2024.

Economic Development Department’s Role:

ADDED has shared the ban circular with over 50,000 commercial establishments and 80 industrial facilities.
Launched an awareness program to educate about the ban and the shift to sustainable alternatives.
Set to conduct field inspections to ensure compliance starting June 1, 2024.
Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, reaffirmed support for environment-friendly strategies and the proactive approach to achieving policy objectives.

ADDED has shared the circular on Styrofoam ban with more than 50,000 commercial establishments and 80 industrial facilities involved in plastic manufacturing. It also launched an awareness programme, in coordination with EAD targeting commercial and industrial establishments.

Read: What you need to know about Dubai’s ban on single-use plastic: Fines and exemptions