BC is eliminating single-use plastics, giving companies six months to use inventory
VANCOUVER — British Columbia is ending its use of a range of single-use and throw-away plastics, giving companies six months to use up their stock.
Environment Minister George Heyman says the new regulation will come into effect in December and will cover plastic shopping bags, disposable food accessories, biodegradable plastics and all packaging made of hard-to-recycle plastics.
The move coincides with a federal government ban on the sale of plastic checkout bags, straws, cutlery, stirrers, ring carriers and food items made from plastic.
The importation of these items was banned by the federal government in December last year.
Heyman says the province is also investing in technologies to turn used plastic into new products, which he says can create a healthier and more resilient environment for all British Columbians.
He says the county has already seen a number of business owners move to reduce the use of plastic items, including restaurants that use paper straws.
Heyman says the single-use and plastic waste prevention regulation is part of the government’s wider CleanBC Plastics action plan, which includes a range of measures to reduce plastic waste.
“Focusing on hard-to-recycle disposable and plastic items can lead BC to a circular economy where waste and pollution are eliminated, products and materials are kept in the economy through reuse, and natural systems are regenerated,” said Heyman in a statement. .
This report from The Canadian Press was first published in July. 14, 2023
