From June 1, a Dubai-wide ban on single-use bags, including both plastic and paper, will come into force in all retail outlets with stores not required to offer free alternatives.
The policy applies to single-use carrier bags and shoppers are encouraged to bring their reusable carriers.
Dubai Municipality has published an information guide that has banned bags including biodegradable ones.
“Biodegradable bags need their recycling stations. If left in landfills, they leave behind small plastic particles (microplastics) that can be consumed by animals and enter the food chain,” the municipality said in the guide, as reported by Khaleej Times.
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Exceptions
Bags that are exempt from this policy include:
Bread bags
Bags used for products packaged online
Liners for waste bins
Packaging bags for vegetables, meat, fish and chicken
Laundry bags
Bags for electronic devices
Garbage bags
Grain bags
Penalties
A financial penalty of Dh200 will be charged for non-compliance.
Repeated violations will be doubled, with the fine capped at Dh2,000.
It is “targeted at individuals, public sector entities, private businesses, corporations and institutions”.
