SHARJAH, the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE - As announced in early August, Sharjah stores are imposing a 25 fil (25 cents, local currency, 1 dirham = 100 fil) tariff on single-use plastic bags, effective Oct. 1, 2022.
This initiative comes ahead of and in preparation for the UAE's total ban on single-use plastic bags and materials, which begins on January 1, 2024.
The Sharjah Executive Council announced the two decisions on August 23 on the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah.
Environmental Sustainability
The tariffs and eventual ban on single-use plastic bags are intended to protect the environment by reducing plastic waste, as well as protecting wildlife, which sometimes mistake plastic bags for food, causing them injury and death.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs of the Emirate of Sharjah is dedicated to developing the necessary plans and policies to implement the provisions of the resolution. It will also determine the types of single-use plastic bags and materials to be banned and the exceptions contained therein.
Earlier, the UAE capital Abu Dhabi banned single-use plastic bags on June 1, 2022, to encourage the use of reusable products. Dubai also started a 25-fil levy on plastic bags in July this year, again in an effort to phase out single-use plastic bags within two years.
