Sharjah To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags & Materials From January 2024!

All the emirates in the UAE are undertaking various changes to embrace environment friendly alternatives and make the world a better place to live in.

In sync with its continued efforts to create an environmentally friendly emirate and its supportive plans of conservation, Sharjah has banned single-use plastic bags and materials in the Emirate of Sharjah as of 1st January, 2024.

The Whys & When

The decision to ban was taken during a meeting the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) Tuesday morning at the Sharjah Ruler’s office under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council.

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; organize the shift and provide environmentally friendly alternatives; and ensure that multi-use bags and materials are handled sustainably.

In preparation for the move, from October 1 this year, sales outlets in the emirate will charge consumers 25 fils for each single-use plastic bag they ask for. According to a resolution issued by the Sharjah Executive Council, environmentally-friendly alternatives and multi-use bags will be provided to shoppers.

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

Other Emirates

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.

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.