Since July 15th 2024, British Columbians who forgot their reusable bags while grocery shopping have faced steeper costs. The province's latest single-use plastic regulations have been in effect for 1 week, and ban all plastic shopping bags from stores across B.C. Additionally, oxo-degradable plastic packaging and other single-use items will no longer be available for sale.
“These changes will keep harmful waste out of landfills and will reduce oxo-degradable plastics, which contain chemicals that cause break down into microplastics and pollute the environment,” the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change stated in a recent release.
Key Points:
Plastic Shopping Bags Ban: Stores across B.C. can no longer offer plastic shopping bags.
Oxo-Degradable Plastic Ban: Oxo-degradable plastic packaging and single-use items are also prohibited.
Environmental Benefits: These changes aim to reduce harmful waste and prevent microplastic pollution.
New Charges for Bags: Retailers will now charge at least 25 cents per paper bag and at least $2 for a reusable bag.
Exemptions: Bags for fruits, vegetables, bulk foods, and meats are exempt from these regulations.
This shift follows the Canadian government's decision last December to phase out single-use plastic shopping bags. Alongside, B.C. banned plastic utensils and other pre-packaged food service items.
These changes are the next step in the Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation announced in July 2023. This regulation limits the use of plastic shopping bags, disposable food-service accessories, oxo-degradable plastics, and food-service packaging made of polystyrene foam, PVC, PVDC, compostable, and biodegradable plastics.
The statistics are alarming: more than 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packages were thrown out in B.C. in 2019. This equates to more than 65 kilograms of plastic waste per person sent to the landfill in one year.
As we adjust to these changes, it’s more important than ever to remember your reusable bags. Not only will it save you money, but it also supports a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all of us. Every small action adds up to make a big difference.
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