Picture used for illustrative purpose.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In implementation of the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and in continuation of the efforts of the environmentally friendly emirate and supportive of conservation plans, the Executive Council issued a decision regarding the use of single-use plastic bags and materials in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The decision aims to:

1. Protecting the environment from the dangers of plastic pollution and reducing the negative effects resulting from harmful practices.

2. Enhancing and encouraging a culture of environmental protection and sustainability by reducing the consumption of single-use plastic bags and materials, leading to their ban.

3. Organizing the shift from the consumption of single-use plastic bags and materials, and working to provide environmentally friendly alternatives.

4. Ensure that multi-use bags and materials are handled in a sustainable manner.

According to the decision, as of January 1, 2024, it is 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.

Authorities will charge 25 fils tarrif on every single use plastic bags from October 2022.

The Department of Municipal Affairs in the Emirate of Sharjah is specialized in the following:

1- Laying down the necessary plans and policies to implement the provisions of this resolution.

2- Determining the single-use plastic bags and materials to be prohibited and the exceptions contained therein.

3- Preparing and implementing awareness and educational programs on the importance of shifting from consuming single-use plastic bags and materials to consuming other sustainable and multi-use alternatives.