Plastic waste is a powerful threat to the environment. The production of plastic produces greenhouse gas emissions, which cause climate change. Plastic degrades over time and will never disappear or degrade into something inoffensive and non-toxic. It just breaks into smaller pieces, thus increasing the number of microplastics in the sea, rivers, and lakes.
To remove the last traces of single-use plastic cluttering the world's oceans and protect the environment, the emirate reported that single-use plastic bags would be banned in Sharjah. The law requires paper bags to reduce the environmental harm caused by plastic pollution.
The Initiative of Single-Use Plastic Bags Ban
As per the recent press report, which was presided over by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, decided to ban the single use of plastic bags from Sharjah on January 1, 2024.
The council examined several governmental problems at its meeting, including legal legislation, performance metrics for government departments and bodies, and development projects in several areas.
Along with that, single-use plastics are considered an environmental hazard. This is because they litter our land and pollute our oceans, harming and killing marine animals. Meanwhile, Khaleej times has expressed the four reasons why Sharjah is banning single-use plastic bags.
Is it Allowed to Trade and Use Single-Use Plastic Bags from January 2024?
The Department of Municipalities Affairs plans to gradually reduce the amount of single-use plastic products used in Sharjah's shops and restaurants until the full ban comes into force. In preparation for the upcoming ban, the emirate will also introduce a charge per single-use plastic bag from October 1, 2022.
According to the new decision taken by the government, it is prohibited to trade, produce, offer or import single-use plastic bags and materials in the emirate.
The Department of Municipalities Affairs will take the lead in laying down the necessary plans and policies to enforce the provisions of the resolution.
Over the next few months, it will prepare awareness and educational programs on the importance of shifting from consuming single-use plastic bags and materials to other sustainable and multi-use alternatives.
In addition, the governmental authorities will roll out consumer awareness programs to help residents switch to multi-use and environmentally-friendly bags.
What are the Rules that the Sales Outlets Should Follow?
The sales outlets are dedicated to the following to fulfill the resolution's objectives:
- Levying a tax of at least 25 files on each single-use plastic bag given to the customer to get the emirate ready for a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic bags and materials.
- Reducing the consumption of single-use plastic bags and materials and implementing initiatives to achieve this.
- Making the consumers aware of the dangers single-use plastic bags cause and advising them to use and supply suitable substitutes.
Perhaps this is only the beginning, and with time and continued support from environmental groups and charities, more nations will follow suit and begin to ban single-use plastics. Whether this becomes the new norm or simply remains an isolated incident, one thing is certain: we, as consumers, should try our best to reduce our use of plastic, both single-use and non-recyclable forms.
Plastic waste is a powerful threat to the environment. The production of plastic produces greenhouse gas emissions, which cause climate change. Plastic degrades over time and will never disappear or degrade into something inoffensive and non-toxic. It just breaks into smaller pieces, thus increasing the number of microplastics in the sea, rivers, and lakes.
In order to remove the last traces of single-use plastic cluttering the world's oceans and protect the environment, the emirate reported that single-use plastic bags would be banned in Sharjah. The law requires paper bags to reduce the environmental harm caused by plastic pollution.
The Initiative of Single-Use Plastic Bags Ban
As per the recent press report, which was presided over by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, decided to ban the single use of plastic bags from Sharjah on January 1 2024.
The council examined several governmental problems at its meeting, including legal legislation, performance metrics for government departments and bodies, and development projects in several areas.
Along with that, single-use plastics are considered an environmental hazard. This is because they litter our land and pollute our oceans, harming and killing marine animals. Meanwhile, Khaleej times has expressed the four reasons why Sharjah is banning single-use plastic bags.
Is it Allowed to Trade and Use Single-Use Plastic Bags from January 2024?
The Department of Municipalities Affairs plans to gradually reduce the amount of single-use plastic products used in Sharjah's shops and restaurants until the full ban comes into force. In preparation for the upcoming ban, the emirate will also introduce a charge per single-use plastic bag from October 1 2022.
According to the new decision taken by the government, it is prohibited to trade, produce, offer or import single-use plastic bags and materials in the emirate.
The Department of Municipalities Affairs will take the lead in laying down the necessary plans and policies to enforce the provisions of the resolution.
Over the next few months, it will prepare awareness and educational programs on the importance of shifting from consuming single-use plastic bags and materials to other sustainable and multi-use alternatives.
In addition, the governmental authorities will roll out consumer awareness programs to help residents switch to multi-use and environmentally-friendly bags.
What are the Rules that the Sales Outlets Should Follow?
The sales outlets are dedicated to the following to fulfill the resolution's objectives:
- Levying a tax of at least 25 files on each single-use plastic bag given to the customer to get the emirate ready for a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic bags and materials.
- Reducing the consumption of single-use plastic bags and materials and implementing initiatives to achieve this.
- Making the consumers aware of the dangers single-use plastic bags cause and advising them to use and supply suitable substitutes.
Perhaps this is only the beginning, and with time and continued support from environmental groups and charities, more nations will follow suit and begin to ban single-use plastics. Whether this becomes the new norm or simply remains an isolated incident, one thing is certain: we as consumers should try our best to reduce our use of plastic, single-use, and non-recyclable forms.
Moreover, along with following the initiatives of the Sharjah government, if you want to start a business in Sharjah, then read about the company formation in Sharjah.
Our Role
Business Setup Worldwide has a thorough understanding of the fundamental procedure. At the same time, we take the required actions to comprehend the seriousness of the situation comfortably. In addition, our business consultants are knowledgeable about the incorporation procedure and can assist you by offering explanations that are specifically tailored to your needs. Feel free to contact us if you want to learn more.
When did the Single-use plastic bags and materials ban from?
The single-use plastic bags and materials will be banned in Sharjah from 1 January 2024.
What are Sharjah retailers prohibited from doing?
Sharjah retailers are prohibited from trading, producing, offering or importing single-use plastic bags and materials.
Where did Sharjah’s decision to ban single-use plastic bags come from?
Sharjah decided to ban single-use plastic bags after a product ban in Abu Dhabi on 1 June.
What else can be used to replace plastic bags in Sharjah?
In Sharjah, consumers can use reusable products, such as tote and canvas bags.
