Sharjah to charge for single-use plastic bags ahead of ban

Sharjah is gearing up for a complete ban on single-use plastic bags and materials from 2024.

In the run up to the changes, the emirate will introduce a 25-fils tariff for each bag from October 1.

The Sharjah Executive Council said the move is part of plans to prohibit the trade, produce, offer or import of single-use plastics from January 1, 2024.

Multi-use alternatives will be provided with technical specifications and standards approved by the Department of Municipalities Affairs.

Awareness campaigns will be stepped up in the coming months to educate consumers and businesses on the importance of replacing single-use plastic bags with sustainable alternatives.

The Department of Municipalities Affairs has been tasked with laying down the necessary plans and policies to implement the rule and determining the types of bags and materials to be prohibited, as well as preparing and implementing awareness and educational programmes. 

Meanwhile, businesses will be responsible for informing customers of the tariff imposed, providing them with alternatives and raising awareness of the dangers of plastic waste.

تنفيذي الشارقة يصدر قراراً بشأن استخدام الأكياس والمواد البلاستيكية ذات الاستخدام الواحد في الإمارةhttps://t.co/vDxGDJPSRC pic.twitter.com/SxVdmjpCUE

— sharjahmedia (@sharjahmedia) August 23, 2022

Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi banned single-use plastic bags in retail outlets while Dubai introduced a 25 fils charge for single-use bags.