Banning Single-Use Plastic Would Reduce Plastic Pollution, Said 85.05%

In an attempt to reduce plastic pollution, Dubai joins other United Arab Emirates (UAE) emirates in banning single-use plastics. The ban became effective on January 1, 2024, and violators could face a fine of up to 2,000 dirhams.

Does the public see this ban as effective? Online survey app Real Research conducted a survey on the matter, and here are the findings.

Highlights:

• 62% support Dubai’s decision to ban single-use plastic.
• Offenders of the ban can get fined up to $544, which is an appropriate fine, according to 49.95%.
• The ban will effectively reduce plastic pollution, according to 85.05%.

Ban on Single-use Plastic Shopping Bags

Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, officially outlawed single-use plastic bags and packaging items, with the ban effective January 1, 2024. The majority (62%) supported the single-use plastic ban, and 38% opposed the ban.

60.55% claimed their countries or regions have a similar single-use plastic ban, and 39.45% didn’t. More importantly, 48.03% stated that these bans should be implemented in their countries, if not already. On the other hand, 22.75% didn’t agree with this, and 29.22% stated their country already has this ban implemented.

Read Also: Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life Concerns Almost 45%

Violated the Ban? Pay Up!

As per the recently imposed law against plastic usage, offenders are reportedly fined up to AED 2,000, which is equivalent to 544 U.S. dollars. This fine is somewhat appropriate, according to 49.95%. 29.47% believed it was totally appropriate, 16.32% said it was somewhat inappropriate, and 4.27% claimed it was totally inappropriate.

Not All Single-Use Plastic Is Banned?

Despite the single-use plastic ban, the use of thin-film plastic rolls (most commonly used for packing items like bread, fruits and vegetables, and meat) will still be allowed. Allowing this but banning single-use plastic is seen as a contradiction to 61.82%. However, 38.18% believed it otherwise.

Starting January 1, 2025, Dubai plans to ban additional single-use items, including plastic stirrers, table covers, cups, Styrofoam food containers, plastic straws, and cotton swabs. Other Emirates have already implemented these bans, and 41.73% said Dubai’s pace in adopting these laws is fine.

Too Late, Dubai!

Dubai is one of the last emirates in the UAE to implement a single-use plastic ban following the country’s decision in January 2023 to prohibit the import, production, and circulation of plastic bags nationwide. 63.9% strongly believed that the government should expand the ban to include other single-use plastic items, such as straws, cups, and cutlery. 29.52% claimed that it was important, 4.7% stated it was probably not, and 1.88% strongly disagreed.

On the other hand, 32.2% stated that Dubai’s pace of adopting these laws is relatively slow, and 26.07% thought it was too slow.

Will the Ban Reduce Plastic Pollution?

According to statistics from the UAE’s Ministry of Environment and Water, around 11 billion plastic bags are used in the country annually, equivalent to 912.5 kilograms per capita. The ban will effectively reduce plastic pollution, according to 85.05%. In detail, 50.13% claimed it was somewhat effective, 34.92% thought the ban would be highly effective, 12.8% stated it would be somewhat ineffective, and 2.15% thought it was highly ineffective.