Plastic Reduction Policies
Looking for existing plastic reduction policies to adapt to your own municipality?
There are several policies, bylaws and other legislation that municipalities within Canada and internationally have used to successfully tackle plastic waste in their own communities.
We have begun compiling a list of these policies and our thoughts on further actions that could make these even more impactful. Keep an eye on this space as it continues to grow!
Does your municipality have a plastic reduction policy? Email [email protected] to submit your bylaw to be added to the database.
Squamish, BC
What is it: A single-use item reduction bylaw that bans plastic checkout bags, plastic utensils, Styrofoam takeout containers, plastic stir sticks and plastic straws (except for accessibility needs).
What we like: In BC, communities subject to the community charter are restricted in what bans they can enact. This bylaw does the most that is currently possible for communities.
What could be improved: We would like to see the province of BC either take the lead and pass regulation, or allow municipalities to enact stronger regulations, including requiring reusables for dine in and having more food accessories (like sachets) by request only.
Montreal, QC
What is it: Single-use plastic legislation that bans plastic cups, glasses, stir sticks, straws and utensils for on-site consumption.
What we like: Plastic cups are increasing in prevalence, and one of the top items found in shoreline cleanups. Banning these when easy alternatives exist is a great step.
What could be improved: We would like to see all dine in dishware and food accessories be reusable. There is no need for a single-use plate or bowl, or single-use ketchup sachet. If a restaurant is already required to have a system for reusable cups and utensils, it might as well be for all dishware.
Edmonton, AB
What is it: A single-use item reduction bylaw that bans plastic shopping bags, requires cups for dine-in be reusable, enacts a ban on Styrofoam dishware, and food accessories are all by request only.
What we like: The move towards food accessories being by request only is good, as this significantly reduces the amount of unused plastic that ends up as waste. Requiring reusable cups for dining in is a big step.
What could be improved: We would like to see all dine-in dishware be reusable. There is no need for a single-use plate, fork, or bowl. If a restaurant is already required to have a system for reusable cups, it might as well be for all dishware.
Toronto, ON
What is it: A single-use reduction program.
What we like: There is a Voluntary Reduction program available, but no requirements.
What could be improved: We would like to see Canada’s biggest city enact some binding restrictions to reduce plastic waste.
Western Australia
What is it: A Plan for Plastics that bans a long list of single-use plastic items.
What we like: This regulation is wide reaching, and targets both take-out food packaging, some store bought food packaging, as well as some unnecessary plastic items that are prevalent in the environment.
What could be improved: We would like to see this regulation tackling more food packaging, and unnecessary plastic designs in packaging.
