Dubai implements a 25 fils tariff for single-use carry bags

Dubai: Dubai has begun its 25 fils tariff on plastic bags to encourage the use of reusable products.

The charge that came into effect today is part of a wider initiative to protect the environment and reduce waste.

This is also aimed at phasing the disposable bags out in two years.

UAE, a major oil producer and the host of next year’s United Nations climate summit, has declared it aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Plastic bags are known as one of the most problematic kinds of garbage, polluting streets and waterways and harming birds and marine creatures.

School & student initiatives

Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal, Credence High School says as a school they’ve been practising it at all levels. By encouraging students and staff to bring their own water bottles since 2019, they’ve been a part of this initiative.

She added that “We also encourage the students to bring their tiffin boxes and avoid using plastic disposable items instead.”

Singh explained how children were being motivated, “Students are awarded stars and points to appreciate them for their efforts while motivating their fellow classmates to follow the path.”

She did however recognize that is entirely possible to avoid the use completely but that they are mindful of it and they were routing plastic waste in the correct direction through various recycling activities.

As for the ban on single-use plastic in the UAE, she says, “Earth is the only plant we have and if we don’t take care of it then who will? Each one of us must do our bit. In these modern and advanced times, there are quite a few alternatives available to replace one-time-use plastic. If each one of us is determined to make a little change in our lives then we can definitely combat this issue. Using reusable bottles, cloth and jute bags for shopping, paper cups instead of plastic ones, biodegradable disposable items, etc are some of the ways in which things can be brought under control.”

Some children are anticipating the use of alternates to plastic quite enthusiastically like Aarav Satheesh of GEMS Modern Academy. He says, “I’m excited to use jute bags and paper bags that I made at school. I will make bags at home and use organizer boxes in the car to keep groceries.”

The fourth-grader added that he was happy that the government is taking initiatives to make the world a greener and happier place.

Another student said that he has for quite some time believed that the plastic ban should have already been in place. Sachin Ram Murti Shori explained, “When I was on my vacation, I was on the beach when I saw two birds eating plastic from both land and sea.”

The 8th Grader of Delhi Private School, Sharjah added that “As we know, plastic is very harmful to the environment as it cannot be disintegrated easily. I saw many signs and posters for ‘say no to plastic’, but no one was following it on the beach. I also suggested my parents use cloth or jute bags, so plastic consumption is less.”

Corporate stores’ plan of action

Supermarket chains such as Al Maya Group among others came up with a strategy given this new tariff.

Kamal Vachani, partner of the Al Maya Group explains their plan, “Al Maya is geared up to implement new rules to tackle plastic bag waste urging shoppers to choose long-life alternatives. We plan on offering the customers a variety of options which includes Cotton, Cotton Starch, Jute, Woven and heavy-duty plastic reusable bags.”

To further encourage the usage Vachani added that customers bringing their own bags in Dubai would also get a 25 fils reduced off their bill.

As for the ban on plastic in UAE, Vachani said, “Disposable bags for carrying goods are a major source of litter and pollution in our environment. Most of them are only used once to carry goods from the store to the home. Al Maya welcomes this move and is prepared to educate and sensitize the customers toward this environment-friendly approach.”

GMG’s Géant Reiterates Commitment to Single-Use Plastics Reduction in-Store. From 1st July, a portion of proceeds from the sale of single-use plastic bags to support Emirates Nature-WWF’s conservation work in the UAE.

“Géant has always been one step ahead and there are already several in-store touchpoints where we encourage and foster sustainability. From offering paper bags to reusable containers in our ‘grab and go’ section, we are committed to make a positive social, environmental, and economic impact on the future of the food retail industry.

We are confident that this initiative will further encourage our customers to opt for a more sustainable future and choose Géant as their preferred supermarket chain,” said Marc Laurent, President – GMG Consumer – Retail.

A significant step in this direction is the launch of a dedicated section in all 12 Géant supermarkets and hypermarkets in the UAE where customers will be able to purchase packaging alternatives including jute and woven bags. The brand is alsopartnering with key vendors in the waste management, water consumption packaging and recycling spaces to extend its sustainable offerings in-store.

As per new government legislation, customers will be charged 25 fils per plastic bag at checkout if they do not bring their own reusable bags or buy a reusable bag in-store, starting 1^st July.

Géant also announced that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these single-use plastic bags will support Emirates Nature-WWF’s conservation efforts in UAE.

The brand will also be launching a “fill your own” concept across stores for products such cereals and nuts, which will go a long way in single-use plastic reduction.

“Over the years, we have actively partnered with Emirates Nature-WWF to support their efforts to build a sustainable future and we are excited to be giving our Géant customers the chance to join us on this important and transformative journey,” Marc Laurent, President – GMG Consumer – Retail added.

Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, said of the initiative: “Our corporate partners play a crucial role in the green recovery. Single-use plastics such as shopping bags have a devastating impact on the UAE’s climate and biodiversity, which in turn affects our food and water security. Corporates have the reach to drive behaviour change at a great scale and encouraging customers to single-use plastics with more intention while also supporting our programmes is a two-fold advance towards a green, sustainable future.”

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