Single-use styrofoam cups, lids, plates, and beverage containers used for immediate consumption were banned in Abu Dhabi under a decision that took effect 1 June. Only items not designed for single-use (such as big storage boxes, coolers, etc), as well as products designed for medical purposes are permitted according to the new rule.
The decision followed the successful ban of single-use plastic bags and the bottle recycling programme back in 2022, and is aimed at further reducing litter in the environment. “Styrofoam in particular breaks easily into microplastics that can enter the food chain and be harmful to human health as well as affect biodiversity,” said Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, in explanation.
So far, following the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy, the consumption of 310 million single-use plastic bags has been avoided as well as the distribution of over 2,000 tonnes of single-use plastic bags. Plus, more than 1,000 tonnes of bottles, equivalent to 67 million bottles, have been collected in the last year.
What about Dubai?
As of January 1, single-use plastic bags have been banned in Dubai, with a few exceptions. Moreover, from June 1, 2024, the ban has included all single-use bags of other materials.
From January 1, 2025 single-use plastic products, including plastic stirrers, table covers, cups, styrofoam food containers, plastic straws, and plastic cotton swabs, will all be banned city-wide. In a further step, the ban will be extended to include plastic products like plates, food containers, tableware and cups from 1 January 2026 on.