Abu Dhabi to ban Styrofoam cups and takeaway boxes starting June 1

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi will enforce a ban on select Styrofoam products starting June 1, aiming to combat plastic pollution across the emirate.

The banned items include disposable cups, lids, plates, and takeaway containers made from the material, which is called expanded polystyrene, a type of plastic. This initiative is part of the green strategy and supports the goal of reducing single-use consumer products, as per the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi.

In June 2022, Abu Dhabi authorities took a significant step by prohibiting single-use plastic bags to protect the environment and address the UAE’s high plastic bag consumption, which was four times the global average.

Statistics from the World Government Summit in February 2019 revealed that 11 billion plastic bags were used in the Emirates annually.

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However, some Styrofoam products are exempt from the ban, such as large storage boxes, coolers, and trays used for meat, fruit, ready-made dairy products and other food items sold in shops. Medical products are also excluded from the ban.

Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, the Environment Agency’s secretary-general, said the decision would enhance efforts to reduce waste.

“This move will help reduce litter in the environment, as Styrofoam, in particular, breaks easily into microplastics that can enter the food chain and be harmful to human health, as well as affect biodiversity,” she said.

She added, “We will also provide support to government and private sector entities to facilitate the shift towards reusable solutions.”

The ban is being implemented in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. The authority has distributed a circular regarding the Styrofoam prohibition to over 50,000 businesses and 80 industrial plants.

Similarly, Dubai will implement a law banning single-use plastics on June 1, extending the prohibition to all thin single-use bags. Paper, biodegradable and plant-made bags are also included.

This aligns with the broader initiative to eliminate plastic usage, following the 2023 ban on single-use plastic bags across all emirates.

Abu Dhabi Styrofoam