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- 95% reduction in plastic bag use: The ban saved 364M single-use plastic bags, cutting greenhouse gases equivalent to removing 130,000 cars for a year.
- Recycling success: 130M plastic bottles collected through reverse vending machines and other programs.
- Styrofoam ban compliance: 97% retailer compliance achieved, setting the stage for a nationwide ban in 2026.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has reported a dramatic reduction in single-use plastic bag consumption since implementing its Single-Use Plastic Policy in June 2022. In just two years, the emirate has saved 364 million plastic bags, equivalent to 2,400 tonnes of plastic waste and 547,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
“We set ambitious targets to protect the environment and mitigate climate change,” said Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD. “The Abu Dhabi community has proven collaborative and proactive.”
Recycling Milestones
EAD’s Incentive-Based Bottle Return Scheme, launched in 2023, collected 130 million plastic bottles across 150 reverse vending machines, smart bins, and door-to-door pickups. This effort yielded 2,000 tonnes of recyclable plastic, enough to fill 80 truckloads.
In 2024 alone, 67 million bottles were recycled, reflecting the growing impact of the program.
Styrofoam Ban Compliance
On June 1, 2024, Abu Dhabi expanded its plastic reduction efforts by banning select Styrofoam products. The initiative achieved a 97% compliance rate among retailers, with further improvements expected before the Federal ban takes effect in 2026.
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A Cultural Shift
The policy has also driven behavioral changes:
- Shoppers now use 0.4 bags per trip, down from 3 bags previously.
- Reusable bag use surged 2,000% in one year, from 603 bags in 2022 to 26,075 in 2023 at a major outlet.
“84% of the public are aware of the policy, and 82% see its positive impact on quality of life, including cleaner beaches and waterways,” Al Dhaheri added.
Economic and Environmental Gains
Despite a decrease in single-use plastic manufacturers (110 in 2022 to 88 in 2023), Abu Dhabi saw the establishment of 57 new recycling companies, bolstering its circular economy.
EAD projects that by the end of 2024, the emirate will have saved over 400 million plastic bags and recycled 90 million bottles, further enhancing sustainability efforts.
Strategic partners, including Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and retailers, have played a crucial role in providing eco-friendly alternatives and ensuring policy success.
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