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Single-use Item Reduction Plan: Updated Blog

Single-use Item Reduction Plan: Updated Blog

The Single-Use Bylaw comes into effect on July 1, 2023. Here’s what you need to know.

The Single-Use Bylaw comes into effect on July 1, 2023.

Here’s what you need to know:

Bring your own bags. Stores will be charging for reusable and paper bags.
You need to request single-use foodware accessories - such as forks, knives, or straws.
Styrofoam containers are not allowed.
When you are staying at a place with drink service, they will be served in reusable cups.
Businesses must have a policy that permits the customers bringing their own reusable cups.

There are some exceptions to this bylaw that are granted for various organizations such as charitable organizations.

The bylaw website (edmonton.ca/SingleUse) has easy-to-navigate sections for residents, businesses/events and charities/exempt organizations.

So why this Bylaw?

A report showed that Edmontonians throw out an average of 450 million single-use items annually including shopping bags, takeout containers, cups, utensils, straws, etc. The Single-Use Item plan proposes a 10% reduction of single-use items within 2 years of implementation, and a 20% reduction within 4 years with a focus on elimination of unnecessary single-use items.

This Bylaw helps us reduce waste and litter and encourages the use of reusable alternatives.

I still stress the need to shift from placing the responsibility solely on individuals. We need to look for opportunities to redesign our products and systems to minimize waste such as excessive packaging.

Individual action is meaningful yet we can’t lose sight of the systems that need to change to reduce waste at the source.

I supported the single-use item bylaw when it came to Council as an initial step in waste reduction. I heard from many community members that this is a step in the right direction and look forward to supporting the actions to further waste reduction.

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