EAD Reports Significant Reduction Of 364 Million Plastic Bags Since 2022 Ban In Abu Dhabi

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has reported a significant reduction in single-use plastic bag usage since implementing a ban on 1st June 2022. This initiative, part of the emirate's Single-Use Plastic Policy, has prevented the use of 364 million bags. This equates to saving 2,400 tonnes of plastic and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 547,000 tonnes, comparable to taking 130,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road for a year.

In an effort to further combat plastic waste, EAD introduced the ‘Incentive-based Bottle Return Scheme’ in 2023. This initiative encourages recycling through partnerships with key stakeholders. So far, over 130 million bottles have been collected from around 150 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), smart bins, and door-to-door collections. The total amount of recyclable plastic gathered is equivalent to filling up to 80 truckloads.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, stated that Abu Dhabi was pioneering in the region when it launched its Single-Use Plastic Policy in 2020. She noted that consumer behaviour change was crucial for reducing reliance on single-use plastics and fostering a culture of reuse and recycling. "The Abu Dhabi community has proven to be more than collaborative and proactive," she said.

Since the policy's implementation, there has been a notable decrease in plastic bag usage at cash counters by 95 percent. Previously, shoppers used three bags per trip; now they use only 0.4 bags. This shift led to a dramatic increase in reusable bag usage from 603 bags in 2022 to over 26,000 in 2023 at one major outlet.

EAD also reported success with its bottle return scheme, recovering 130 million plastic bottles and seeing an increase in companies focused on recycling plastics within the emirate. Despite a decline in companies manufacturing single-use plastics from 110 in 2022 to 88 in 2023, there has been growth with the establishment of 57 new recycling firms contributing positively to sustainability and the circular economy.

On June 1st, 2024, EAD extended its environmental efforts by banning certain Styrofoam products. Compliance among retailers reached an impressive rate of 97 percent with expectations for further improvements by year's end. These measures are seen as preparatory steps towards a Federal ban on specific Styrofoam and plastic products set for enforcement in 2026.

Community Engagement and Future Goals

The community's engagement with these initiatives has been commendable. Residents have embraced reusable bags and actively participated in returning bottles for recycling via RVMs. A survey conducted by EAD revealed that awareness about the policy stands at 84 percent among the public while 82 percent believe it positively impacts quality of life through cleaner beaches and waterways.

EAD anticipates that by year-end over 400 million single-use plastic bags will have been saved due to these efforts. In just nine months alone this year consumption decreased by approximately another significant number -121.5 million bags were not used during this period alone! Additionally they expect collection numbers for single-use plastic bottles will reach around ninety million throughout twenty twenty-four!

The agency expressed gratitude towards strategic partners such as Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority along with other departments who collaborated closely providing alternatives helping implement bans effectively across various sectors including retail outlets ensuring successful execution overall!

With inputs from WAM