The Executive Council of the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain issued a decision banning the use of single-use plastic bags in the emirate.
According to the decision, from January 1, 2023, single-use plastic bags in the emirate will be replaced with multi-use bags, with technical specifications and standards approved by the Umm Al Quwain Municipality Department, or biodegradable, or bags made of paper or “woven” cloth.
The decision aims to protect the environment from the dangers of plastic pollution, reduce the negative effects resulting from wrong practices, and encourage a culture of environmental protection and sustainability, by reducing the consumption of single-use plastic bags, up to banning them, and enhancing the behavior of community members through awareness and environmental education programs in a way that reduces Environmental footprint, and support the emirate’s efforts towards achieving Umm Al Quwain’s sustainable blue economy strategy.
The decision indicated that the Umm Al Quwain Municipality Department is responsible for developing the necessary plans and policies to implement the provisions of this decision and presenting them to the Executive Council for approval, identifying single-use plastic bags to be prohibited, and the exceptions to them, and preparing and implementing awareness and educational programs on the importance of shifting from consuming plastic bags with high quality. Single use, to the consumption of other sustainable and versatile alternatives.
To achieve the objectives of this resolution, sales outlets are obligated to impose a tariff of no less than (25) fils from the date of January 1, 2023, on each single-use plastic bag presented to the consumer, in preparation for the complete ban on single-use plastic bags in the emirate, along with Implementation of awareness initiatives that contribute to reducing the consumption of single-use plastic bags, informing the consumer of the tariff imposed on the consumption of single-use plastic bags, raising awareness of their risks and guiding them to use and provide appropriate alternatives.
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