From Straws To Styrofoam: Dubai's New Single-Use Plastic Ban Comes Into Force

Dubai, starting Jan. 1 this year, officially banned single-use plastic products. People ordering takeaway or food delivery may notice some changes as the city works to reduce plastic waste and encourage eco-friendly habits, as well as promote reusing and recycling.

Dubai Municipality listed several single-use plastic items that are now banned, including:

• Styrofoam cups
• Plastic cotton swabs
• Plastic table covers
• Plastic straws
• Styrofoam food containers
• Plastic stirrers

A ban on single-use plastic bags has been in effect since June 2024, as per a resolution by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, Gulf News reported.

Dubai is gradually phasing out single-use plastics in stages:

• January 2024: A 25-fil charge was added to single-use plastic bags to reduce their use.
• June 2024: All single-use plastic bags were banned.
• January 2025: Single-use plastic items like plastic stirrers, Styrofoam containers, and plastic straws will be banned.
• January 1, 2026: The ban will be extended to include single-use plastic cups, lids, cutlery, food containers, and plates.

Executive Council Resolution No. (124) of 2023 aims to greatly reduce single-use plastic waste in Dubai. It encourages businesses to use recycled products and follow circular economy practices, ensuring materials are recycled sustainably in local markets.

The resolution also sets rules for the use and recycling of single-use plastics. As part of the resolution, businesses such as shops, vendors, and restaurants must take part in efforts to reduce plastic use. They are also required to offer affordable reusable alternatives to help promote more sustainable practices.

The UAE is working to eliminate single-use plastics to reduce waste, protect the environment, and promote sustainable practices. Single-use plastics contribute massively to pollution, especially in oceans and landfills, which harms wildlife and ecosystems.

By decreasing plastic waste, the UAE aims to lower carbon emissions, promote recycling, and move towards a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled. This effort is aligned with the country's broader environmental goals to create a cleaner and greener future.

In December 2023, UAE-based organizations Tadweer, the Ministry of Energy Infrastructure, Masdar City, and GIGA Graphene Technologies (GGT) formed a partnership to introduce Graphene Innovations Manchester's (GIM) GIM Concrete in the country.

GIM Concrete is an eco-friendly product made using recycled waste, emphasizing the importance of the circular economy. It is made from recycled plastic, cures quickly, and does not need fresh water, which helps reduce CO2 emissions.