B.C.'s new plastics regulations: What you need to know
British Columbians will no longer get plastic and Styrofoam takeout containers and will be charged fees for new shopping bags, as part of single-use plastic regulations rolling out Monday.
It's the latest part of the province's regulations on plastics, which started rolling out last December to align with federal regulations that are going into effect across the country.
B.C., however, had delayed some aspects of the federal single-use plastics regulations, saying that producers and businesses needed more time to adapt.
The province says the bans will help divert plastic waste from landfills, where an estimated 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packaging were disposed of in the province in 2019.
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Here's what you need to know about the latest plastic bans in B.C.:
What is banned as of Monday?
As of July 15, single-use plastic takeout containers and glasses that are hard to recycle, including those made with "biodegradable" and "compostable" plastics as well, will no longer be distributed in B.C.
Businesses will also not be selling products such as cup instant noodles and eggs in cartons that are made of harmful single-use plastics or Styrofoam.
Single-use items containing oxo-degradable plastics — such as those found in some garbage bags and dog-poop bags — are also prohibited as of July 15. The only exceptions to the rule are containers made with compostable plastic.
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Will I be charged for all bags?
While single-use plastic bags were already banned across Canada, the regulations rolling out July 15 in B.C. mean that businesses will be charging customers for reusable bags too.
The province says businesses should charge at least $2 for each new reusable shopping bag, and at least 25 cents for each recycled paper bag. Some small paper bags are exempt from the rules, including those used for medical prescriptions.
"Certain bags, like those available in-store for fruit and vegetables, are not considered shopping bags," the province says in a fact sheet announcing the changes. "These may be offered free of charge."
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What was already banned?
As of Dec. 20, 2023, the province banned single-use plastic cutlery, and wooden forks and knives were only available on request. Straws were also largely prohibited, with a limited exemption for those who need them for accessibility reasons.
Federal regulations that went into effect in B.C. on June 24 forbid ring carriers for drink packages.
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Are any more materials set to be banned?
On July 1, 2028, the province will ban the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film wrap, also known as cling film.
The province says a ban on foam containers for raw meat will be implemented on July 1, 2030.
Both those regulations were pushed back in order to allow businesses time to adapt, according to the province's environment minister.
"The support for introducing bans and greater recycling in British Columbia was overwhelming, between 80 and 90 per cent," George Heyman said in December, referring to a public consultation the province launched regarding banning single-use plastics.
"That's a clear mandate to our government."
Ian Tostenson, CEO of the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association, said that many businesses have already adapted to the single-use plastics bans since it was announced last year — but acknowledged it will cost businesses more.
"Packaging is a bit more expensive than it was, probably in the order of two or three or four cents," he told CBC News. "That makes a big difference.
"You know, people go, 'Oh, you know, it's not a big deal,'" he added. "But it is a big deal when you start dealing with thousands of different containers."
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This article, written by Akshay Kulkarni, was originally published for CBC News. Header image courtesy of Andreas Steidlinger/iStock/Getty Images Plus.
