Plastic beverage containers and bottles could soon be ruled out in Bahrain under a sweeping proposal that has gained unanimous backing across municipal bodies.
The initiative, submitted by the Strategic Thinking Bloc, led by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, has been fully endorsed by all three municipal councils as well as the Capital Trustees Board.
If approved at higher levels, the proposal would see plastic bottles and beverage containers phased out within two years, allowing only glass, carton or metal alternatives.
Supporters say the move is long overdue as Bahrain grapples with growing waste volumes and limited landfill capacity.
“Plastic is a source of nuisance,” said Mr Al Salloom, who also chairs the Better Life Society.
“Even so-called biodegradable plastic takes an average of six months to decompose, and that is under ideal conditions,” he added.
“People don’t throw glass, metal or paper in the same way. These materials can be reused, refilled, recycled, or even used for art and ornaments. Plastic, on the other hand, just piles up.”
The proposal comes against the backdrop of Bahrain’s gradual tightening of plastic regulations over the past decade.
Authorities have already restricted single-use plastic bags in shops and supermarkets, encouraged reusable alternatives, and introduced environmental fees in some sectors.
Mr Al Salloom
However, plastic beverage bottles remain one of the most visible and widespread sources of waste across streets, beaches and public spaces.
“As a society, we have to change habits,” Mr Al Salloom said.
“This is not about inconvenience. It’s about protecting our environment, our health and the future quality of life in Bahrain.”
“If adopted, the measure would mark one of the most ambitious steps yet in Bahrain’s efforts to curb plastic waste and promote a more sustainable, environmentally responsible lifestyle.”
Mr Bu Onk
Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk, a co-signee of the proposal, said plastic waste had already reached a critical point.
“The landfill site in Hafeera is full of non-degradable plastic that simply can’t be disposed of,” he said.
“Plastic is piling up and can’t be dealt with – it cannot be incinerated due to health reasons, and it can’t be buried due to environmental reasons.”
Municipal leaders echoed these concerns, describing plastic waste as both an environmental and visual blight.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said the proposal was not optional, but essential.
Mr Abdullatif
“This is a must-do,” he stressed. “Plastic bottles and containers are ugly. They distort the landscape and pollute our neighbourhoods. People should adopt glass or metal as part of their lifestyle.”
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar agreed, saying plastic pollution was an issue that required decisive action rather than incremental measures.
“Plastic is a problem that needs to be addressed seriously,” he said. “We cannot keep postponing solutions while the waste keeps growing.”
Mr Al Naar
Under the proposal, a two-year transition period would give manufacturers, importers and retailers time to adjust supply chains, invest in alternative packaging and educate consumers.
Supporters argue that the shift could also open new opportunities for local recycling industries, creative reuse initiatives and small businesses focused on sustainable products.
Environmental advocates have long argued that beverage containers account for a significant share of litter collected from public areas and coastal zones. With Bahrain’s limited land area and landfill capacity, waste reduction at source is increasingly seen as the most practical solution.
The proposal still requires legislative and regulatory approval.
Councillors believe that public awareness campaigns and fair pricing of alternatives will be key to ensuring a smooth transition.
Last month, the UK-based Pew Charitable Trusts, in collaboration with academics including at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, said plastic, a material once called revolutionary and modern, was now putting public health, world economies and the future of the planet at risk. If nothing is done, plastic pollution will more than double in the next 15 years to 280 million metric tonnes a year, the equivalent to a rubbish truck full of plastic waste being dumped every second. Much of the waste is made up of packaging.
This will damage every aspect of life; from the economy, to public health, to climate breakdown, the report, Breaking the Plastic Wave 2025, said.
It is the packaging sector, an industry that creates items such as soft film, bags, bottles and rigid tubs for vegetables, margarines, drinks, fish and meat, that is causing plastic production increases.
Packaging used more plastic than any other industry in 2025 and will continue to do so in 2040, the report found.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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