Umm Al Quwain to ban single-use plastic bags

Umm Al Quwain is the latest Emirate to ban single-use plastic bags, after Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

Making the announcement, the Executive Council of Umm Al Quwain said the ban will come into effect on January 1, 2023.

Single-use plastic bags will be replaced by "multi-use bags that meet the approved standards, or biodegradable bags made of paper or fabric", the authority added.

It's part of efforts by the authorities to protect the environment, reduce plastic pollution and work towards a sustainable blue economy.

The Umm Al Quwain municipality has been directed to develop policies, identify exceptions to the ban and implement awareness campaigns. 

From January 1, shoppers will have to pay 25 fils for single-use plastic bags. 

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