Fee likely to be imposed on use of plastic bags

If you still cannot do without plastic bags, be warned: the Ministry of Environment and Water has announced it is considering charging a fee for every bag used. This initiative may be adopted as part of the third phase of the ministry's "Make the UAE Plastic Bag Free" campaign, which was launched in 2008. "According to a study we have conducted, over 11 billion bags have been consumed by residents across the UAE in 2010. Our aim is to continue encouraging the public and organisations to reduce their levels of plastic bag usage within the year's third quarter [July - September]," Mariam Al Shenasi, the ministry's Undersecretary, said. Currently, 46.7 per cent of plastic bags available in the UAE are biodegradable. Article continues below Awareness drives will also be launched during the campaign's third phase in locations including schools and supermarkets to encourage the re-use of plastic bags and usage of bags made from natural materials such as cloth or jute. "As a result of our combined efforts, we have been able to raise the number of biodegradable plastic bags in the UAE from 7.3 per cent in 2008 to 46.7 per cent in 2011. Many supermarkets have begun using such bags… "Because such steps have been undertaken successfully it has helped us exceed our target of reducing the number of non-biodegradable bags. Our initial goal was 15 per cent but we have been able to achieve a 46 per cent reduction rate," Mariam said, adding that the Ministry is considering imposing a fee for using plastic bags but the issue is under study. Printed bags prohibited She also said the ministry is currently implementing the Council of Ministers Decision No. (5/ 376) for the year 2009 that prohibits printing on plastic bags, in coordination with the local authorities and the Coordinating Council of Municipal Affairs. In Abu Dhabi, the decision is being enforced by the local government, while in Dubai it will be undertaken by the Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Authority, who will then liaise with the Department of Economic Development. The resolution is also being taken up by Ajman while Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain will be imposing the decision on all relevant factories. "Factories or organisations manufacturing or importing plastic bags have to register with the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology. This is to ensure that any new plastic bags conform to the new standards," Mariam said.