Edmonton’s single-use item bylaw starts Canada Day
Posted June 30, 2023 1:26 pm.
Last Updated July 4, 2023 3:41 pm.
Edmonton’s single-use item bylaw is coming into effect Saturday.
With the bylaw, all “single-use items” — which include items made of plastic, as well as those made out of wood, bamboo, cardboard or any other material — will be reduced within businesses.
“The purpose of this bylaw is to regulate single-use items to reduce waste and litter, increase recycling and other responsible management of waste, and encourage the use of reusable alternatives,” said the City of Edmonton in a statement.
“Accessories like straws, napkins, condiment packets and utensils; however, they must only be provided by request. Under the bylaw this request can either be made via a customer’s request, a staff member prompting a customer, a self-serve station or a prompt on a delivery app.”
The move comes as part of the city’s 25-year Waste Strategy and the first in a series of Waste Reduction Roadmaps.
Changes on shopping bags
Plastic bags will be completely removed from stores unless the bag has previously been used or the business or event organizer is a charitable organization.
Instead, businesses are allowed to sell customers paper or other reusable shopping bags. The City will be limiting the cost of new and reusable bags. Costs are as follows:
- $0.15 per paper shopping bag until July 1, 2024;
- $0.25 per paper shopping bag after July 1, 2024;
- $1.00 per reusable shopping bag until July 1, 2024; or
- $2.00 per reusable shopping bag after July 1, 2024.
Shoppers who want to save a few cents can bring in their own reusable shopping bag.
Changes on food items
Businesses will also no longer be allowed to provide customers with plastic cutlery or plastic straws.
Those in the food industry will also be required to provide all customers on the premises with reusable cups.
In addition, stores must allow customers to bring their own cups for take-out.
Enforcement
If a business or individual is found to be not adhering to the new bylaw, they could be given a fine. Fines for individuals start at $500.
