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Canada’s ban on certain harmful single-use plastics now in effect

The manufacture and import for sale of harmful single-use plastics in checkout bags, cutlery, food-service ware made from, or containing, problematic plastics that are hard to recycle, stir sticks, and straws (with some exceptions) in Canada is now prohibited:

The Environment and Climate Change Canada announced the ban on Dec. 17 in a news release.

The ban on the manufacture and import of ring carriers will enter into force in June 2023.

The federal government is working with provinces, territories, and industry to set a collection target of 90 per cent for recycling plastic beverage bottles. It is also developing regulations to require that certain plastic packaging contain at least 50 per cent recycled content and to establish clear rules for labelling recyclable and compostable plastics. Draft regulations are targeted for publication in fall 2023. In addition, the government is developing a plastic registry to hold plastic producers accountable for their plastic waste.

As a founding member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, the Canadian government is working with countries and stakeholders globally to develop an ambitious and effective legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution.