Canada Bans Certain Single-Use Plastics

Canada has joined a handful a countries around the world that have placed a ban on single use plastics. This means that once the ban in place, certain plastic products will not be allowed to be manufactured, sold, exported, or imported into Canada.

There is increasing concern that plastic pollution negatively affects human health and the environment. Pollution has been found on our shorelines, groundwater, air, and food. The ban on certain plastics is part of the Canadian Government’s plan to address pollution and to reach its zero waste goal by the year 2030.

“As climate change continues to pose a serious threat to our health, limiting plastic pollution is crucial not only for our environment, but for our overall well-being. With this ban, we are expected to avoid 1.3 million tonnes of plastic waste over the next ten years across Canada, leading to less pollution and healthier communities.”

– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health

Government statistics show that less than 10% of plastic in Canada is recycled, so action is required. The ban is coming under the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR)

What is being banned?

The ban affects the following products;

• Check-out bags
• Cutlery
• Foodservice ware
• Ring carriers
• Stir Sticks
• Straws

The ban is aimed at combating single-use plastics, so goods that are designed to be used multiple times may be exempted despite being part of the above list. More technical details on the 6 targets can be found here.

These categories were specifically selected because they are commonly found in the environment, are harmful to wildlife and their habitat, are difficult to recycle, and have readily available alternatives.

Timeline

To help industries adjust to the new rules, the ban is being phased in over a few years.