Since 2022, Abu Dhabi’s plastic ban has saved millions of bags and bottles—transforming eco-friendly living
Abu Dhabi has proved that going green isn’t just a dream – it’s a reality.
Since introducing its single-use plastic ban on 1 June 2022, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has saved an incredible 364 million plastic bags, equivalent to a staggering 2,400 tonnes of plastic waste or 547,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
That’s like taking 130,000 petrol cars off the road for a year!
But that’s not all.
In 2023, the emirate introduced its Incentive-based Bottle Return Scheme, with Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), smart bins, and door-to-door collections making recycling easier than ever.
So far, more than 130 million plastic bottles have been recycled, and 2024 alone has seen 67 million bottles returned – a major win for the planet.
You might also like: RVMs to enhance recycling efforts in Abu Dhabi
Styrofoam? Not in Abu Dhabi
June 2023 marked another milestone: a ban on specific Styrofoam products. Impressively, 97 per cent of retailers have already complied with the new rules, and more are expected to follow suit.
These bold steps pave the way for the UAE’s upcoming Federal ban on targeted Styrofoam and plastic products, set for 2026.
The people behind the progress
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, credits the community’s proactive efforts:
“We’ve seen a 95 per centre reduction in plastic bag usage at cash counters. Shoppers used three bags per trip before the ban but now only need 0.4 bags. This cultural shift has driven a 2,000 per cent rise in reusable bag adoption within just a year!”
Abu Dhabi’s efforts extend beyond households. Despite a dip in manufacturers of single-use plastics, 57 new recycling companies have emerged, bolstering the emirate’s circular economy.
A cleaner, greener future
Residents are embracing the change, with 84% of the public aware of the policy and 82% applauding its positive impact, from cleaner beaches to pristine waterways. By the end of 2024, EAD predicts an astonishing 400 million single-use plastic bags saved and 90 million bottles recycled—a true testament to Abu Dhabi’s environmental commitment.
More Info:
- Visit Reverse Vending Machines at over 150 locations across Abu Dhabi.
- Learn more about the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy at EAD’s official website.
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