Say goodbye to single use items
Hey there, fellow Edmontonians! It’s an exciting time for our beautiful city as we gear up to embrace a greener and more sustainable future. Starting on July 1, 2023, Edmonton is taking a significant step towards reducing single-use items like plastic straws and plastic shopping bags with the implementation of the Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw. So, let’s dive into what this bylaw means for us and how we can actively participate to make Edmonton more eco-friendly.
What is the single-use item reduction bylaw?
This is an initiative that seeks to limit the use of disposable items that end up in our landfills, oceans, and natural habitats. It specifically targets commonly used single-use items like plastic bags, foam containers, straws, and utensils that are difficult to recycle. Our city throws out 450 million single-use items every year and by curbing their usage, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint.
So how does this bylaw affect us as consumers? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Remember to bring a reusable bag! If you don’t have one, businesses are required to charge a minimum of 15 cents for paper bags, or $1 for reusable bags so be sure to come prepared with reusable totes, or even cardboard boxes.
- Same goes for reusable cups and mugs! There are so many fun designs out there, you can really get creative with your to-go style, while reducing the number of single use items that end up in our waste stream. Businesses will serve reusable cups if you’re enjoying your beverage to stay, and disposable cups will still be available for to-go orders as needed.
- You can also bring your own container for takeout! Businesses will no longer be able to use styrofoam plates, cups, or containers.
- Accessories like utensils, straws, condiment packets and napkins will be available only by request or self-serve.
How does this affect businesses?
This bylaw will represent a shift in how some businesses package and serve their products. Please be patient while they navigate this process and don’t be surprised if you start to see new types of bags, cups, and containers being provided. Businesses will also be required to introduce a written policy for how they will accept reusable customer cups, so look out for those best practices in keeping a clean mug!
If you’re a business an need more information, please visit www.edmonton.ca/singleuse or reach out to singleuse@edmonton.ca.
Embrace the change with us!
Edmonton’s Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw is an opportunity for us to step up and positively impact our environment. By embracing sustainable and reusable alternatives in our every day lives, we can protect our wildlife, preserve natural resources, and build a greener, healthier Edmonton for future generations.
Starting on July 1, 2023, let’s commit to reducing our reliance on single-use items and embracing sustainability!
Learn more about the single-use item bylaw and what to expect in the coming months here.
