Abu Dhabi bans single-use plastic: Retailers offer reusable bags for a fee of 50 fils

Abu Dhabi bans single-use plastic: Retailers offer reusable bags for a fee of 50 fils

Abu Dhabi bans single-use plastic from today: Retailers offer reusable bags for 50 fils fee

The charge will be used to fund environmental projects

Published: Wed 1 Jun 2022, 2:18 PM Last updated: Wed 1 Jun 2022, 2:24 PM

As the single-use plastic ban comes into effect in Abu Dhabi today (June 1), major shopping outlets in the Capital will provide alternative bags - in place of plastic bags - for a minimum fee of of 50 fils, which will be contributed towards environmental activities, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced.

“The fees aims to reduce the number of bags used in shopping where possible and reuse these bags where necessary. Consumers can avoid this cost by reducing the use of bags and bringing bags from home to avoid paying these fees,” said a statement from EAD.

Abu Dhabi’s integrated Single-Use Plastic Policy bans the sale of single-use plastic bags across all retailers.

During a compliance tour of retail stores in Abu Dhabi, led by Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, officials said there are reusable alternative bags that have a lower environmental impact regardless of the material they are made of.

Al Dhaheri said that the alternative