Sharjah to ban single-use plastic bags from January 1, 2024

Sharjah will ban single-use plastic bags and materials across the emirate from January 1, 2024.

The decision to ban was taken during a meeting of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

The SEC’s decision aims to protect the environment from the dangers of plastic pollution and reduce the negative effects from harmful practices; encourage a culture of environmental protection and sustainability; organise the shift and provide environmentally friendly alternatives; and ensure that multi-use bags and materials are handled sustainably.

From January 1, 2024, it will also be prohibited to trade, produce, offer or import single-use plastic bags and materials in the emirate, provided that they are replaced with multi-use bags and materials with technical specifications and standards approved by the Department of Municipalities Affairs, official news agency WAM reported.

Sales outlets will be committed to the following: 1. Imposing a tariff of no less than (25) fils as of October 1, 2022, on each single-use plastic bag presented to the end consumer, in preparation for a complete ban on single-use plastic bags and materials in the emirate; reducing the consumption of single-use plastic bags and materials and implementing initiatives that contribute to achieving this; and informing the consumer of the tariff imposed on the consumption of single-use plastic bags and materials, raising awareness of their risks, and guiding him to use and provide appropriate alternatives.

Abu Dhabi has banned single-use plastic bags, effective June 1, 2022, while it will also be phasing out single-use styrofoam cups, plates and food containers by 2024.

Read: Abu Dhabi to ban single-use plastic bags from June 1

Earlier this year, Dubai also approved a policy to impose a tariff of 25 fils on single-use bags for carrying goods starting July 1, 2022.

Read: Dubai to impose tariff on single-use plastic bags from July 1