Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing plastic bag consumption and promoting sustainable alternatives as Qatar marked World Plastic Bag Free Day, observed annually on July 3.
Highlighting its ongoing environmental efforts, the ministry said its initiatives form part of the country’s broader strategy to reduce waste, protect natural resources and support the objectives of Qatar Zero Waste and Qatar National Vision 2030.
In a message posted on its official X platform, the ministry called on the public to embrace environmentally friendly alternatives and adopt more sustainable daily habits.
“On World Plastic Bag Free Day, let us remember our shared responsibility to embrace more sustainable alternatives that help reduce plastic waste and promote environmentally responsible behaviour through reusable, biodegradable and sustainable choices,” the ministry said.
It added that sustainability should be viewed as a lasting commitment rather than a temporary initiative, stressing that collective action is essential to protecting the environment for future generations.
The ministry highlighted the comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework introduced to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags and encourage responsible waste management across the country.
Among the key measures is Ministerial Decision No. 170 on the sorting of solid waste, which strengthens waste management practices and promotes recycling at the source. The ministry also pointed to Ministerial Decision No. 143 of 2022, which sets out regulations governing the use of plastic bags and encourages the transition to environmentally sustainable alternatives.
To ensure effective implementation of these regulations, the ministry continues to conduct regular inspection campaigns to monitor compliance by commercial establishments and other entities covered by the legislation.
These regulatory efforts are complemented by the National Integrated Programme for Waste Segregation at Source, which seeks to improve waste collection, recycling and resource recovery through the active participation of households, institutions and businesses.
The ministry also continues to organise awareness campaigns, educational activities and strategic partnerships aimed at encouraging sustainable lifestyles and increasing public understanding of the environmental impacts of plastic pollution.
As part of its campaign, the ministry encouraged consumers and businesses to replace conventional single-use plastic bags with approved environmentally friendly alternatives. These include paper bags, reusable woven fabric bags and biodegradable plastic bags, all of which help reduce plastic waste and lessen environmental impacts.
The ministry noted that reducing reliance on conventional plastic bags contributes to cleaner communities, protects marine and terrestrial ecosystems and supports the transition towards a circular economy built on sustainable consumption and production.
World Plastic Bag Free Day, observed every year on July 3, is part of a global movement to reduce plastic consumption and raise awareness of the harmful effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems, wildlife and human health. The annual observance encourages governments, businesses and individuals worldwide to adopt reusable and sustainable alternatives while promoting policies that reduce plastic waste.
Through its legislative framework, enforcement measures and public awareness initiatives, the Ministry of Municipality said it remains committed to advancing Qatar’s environmental sustainability agenda and fostering a culture of responsible consumption that contributes to a cleaner and greener future.
