Along a number of other steps and initiatives launched in recent years, Qatar is intensifying its commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on reducing plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of today’s age. While plastic products offer convenience and durability, their widespread and often careless use is causing long-term damage to our planet. Every year, around the globe, millions of tonnes of plastic waste end up in oceans, rivers, and natural habitats. Marine animals mistake plastic for food or become entangled in it, leading to injury and death. Microplastics—tiny plastic particles—have been found in fish, salt, and even drinking water, raising serious concerns about their impact on human health.
Marking World Plastic Bag Free Day on July 3, the Ministry of Municipality reaffirmed its pledge to limit the use of single-use plastic bags—an initiative that aligns with the country’s broader environmental agenda under the ‘Qatar Zero Waste’ program and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Central to this effort is a robust legislative framework designed to manage waste more effectively and promote sustainable practices.
Ministerial Decision No. 170 outlines regulations for solid waste management, while Ministerial Decision No. 143 of 2022 sets clear controls on the use of plastic bags. These include a ban on single-use plastic bags in commercial establishments and the requirement for plastic bags to carry labels indicating whether they are biodegradable, reusable, or recyclable.
Qatar is also actively encouraging the use of sustainable alternatives such as paper bags, biodegradable plastics, reusable bags, and fabric bags. To support this shift, the government has launched the National Integrated Program for Waste Sorting at Source and regularly conducts inspection campaigns to enforce compliance.
Beyond regulation, Qatar is heavily investing in public awareness. The Ministry of Municipality, represented by Al Khor and Al Thakhira Municipality, partnered with local companies, organisations to organize a comprehensive awareness campaign. In a parallel marine-focused campaign, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, through its Marine Protection Department and in cooperation with the Fisheries Department, distributed eco-friendly bags to fishermen at Al Khor Harbor.
Through legislation, public engagement, and private sector partnerships, the country is forging a sustainable path forward—reducing plastic waste, conserving resources, and protecting both land and sea for future generations.
