Ajman: The production of non-biodegradable plastic bags will be banned in Ajman from June 1.
This makes it the first emirate in the UAE to issue a decree in compliance with the Ministry of Environment and Water's campaign to ban such products nationwide by 2013.
The ban targets commercial outlets and factories to stop producing and stocking plastic bags that do not biodegrade and they could face a maximum fine of Dh50,000 if they do not comply.
Ajman has around 20 factories currently producing plastic bags, according to Khalid Al Hosani, Director of Health and Environment Section at Ajman municipality.
"The problem of plastic is not new. Non-biodegradable plastic will stay in the ground for years and we think this must be immediately acted on," he said.
The Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) launched an awareness campaign in October 2009 after studies revealed that more than two billion plastic bags were made in the UAE in 2008 alone.
In 2013, plastic bags will be totally banned in the UAE and alternatives like jute, cotton or biodegradable plastic bags will have to be used instead.
Monitoring
"By June 1 in Ajman the ban will begin for all cafeterias, supermarkets and factories. Initially this is for garbage and shopping bags, but most supermarkets are already stocking and using these," said Al Hosani.
Bags made with biodegradable additives allow plastic bags to disintegrate and be absorbed into the ground as biomass without any negative impacts on the environment.
To shoppers the bags will look the same. Some outlets may choose to advertise that their bags are biodegradable with words or a symbol.
"Once the ban comes into place we will begin monitoring and issuing fines. There will be inspections. Factories will have to submit their papers and state the materials they are using. All producers must be approved by our department," he said.
Members of the public will be able to carry on using non-biodegradable plastic bags they may have stored at home but will no longer have their shopping packed in non-biodegradable plastic bags.
"Within six months people will know about the ban. I think this is enough time. We will have meetings with all suppliers to discuss the dangers of plastic and the benefits of the new bags. The decree will be distributed in English to all supermarkets," said Al Hosani.
Implementing a ban on plastic will be up to each emirate said Mariam Al Shanasi, Executive Director for Technical Affairs at MOEW; however, it must be done by the start of 2013.
Over the next two years the Ministry will work with schools and will conduct awareness days at shopping centres.
"Fines will serve as a mitigation measure but we really want this to come from the public as a change they want to make," she said.
