Single-use plastic bags banned as new round of British Columbia plastics rules come into effect

VICTORIA — Plastic shopping bags and other single-use products are no longer available in British Columbia stores as the government takes the latest step in a plan to phase out some plastic items and divert harmful chemicals from landfills.

Businesses can no longer offer single-use plastic shopping bags and must charge a minimum fee of $2 for new reusable bags or 25 cents for new paper bags.

The province’s statement said food service businesses are also prohibited from distributing single-use packaging containing certain types of plastics that are difficult to recycle, including “biodegradable” and “compostable” plastics, as well as polystyrene foam.

From December 2023, catering businesses are prohibited from offering single-use plastic cutlery, with some exceptions, such as plastic drink lids.

Packaging made of oxy-biodegradable plastics has also been banned.

The province says products made from oxy-biodegradable plastics are often advertised as biodegradable, green or environmentally friendly, but they contain chemicals that cause the material to break down into tiny microplastics that pollute the environment.

To ensure a smooth transition to the new technology, the province said businesses will be able to use PVC film until 2028, while polystyrene trays for packaging raw meat will be allowed until 2030.

The changes come after British Columbia introduced single-use and plastic waste prevention regulations in July 2023, with the first restrictions coming into effect last December.

Opposition party BC United issued a statement Monday saying the charges for reusable or paper bags are a “punishment” and hurt consumers struggling with an affordability crisis.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2024.

Canadian Press