B.C. expanding single-use plastic regulations

B.C. says it is bringing in new regulations that will work to tackle “hard-to-recycle” single-use and plastic items.

The province says the new “Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation” will cover shopping bags, disposable food “accessories”, oxo-degradable plastics, and food packaging made from PVC, polystyrene foam, PVDC, and compostable or biodegradable plastics.

“As part of our government’s CleanBC Plastics Action Plan, the regulation strengthens our efforts to prevent plastic waste and pollution, and ensure a better future for the people of B.C. through a healthier environment,” George Heyman, minister of environment, said Friday. “Focusing on hard-to-recycle single-use and plastic items will help move B.C. to a circular economy where waste and pollution are eliminated, products and materials are kept in the economy through re-use and natural systems are regenerated.”

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The province says the regulations will come into effect in December of this year, giving the public six months to be educated about the new requirements. The province says this time will also allow businesses to “use up” existing inventory.

The B.C. government’s new program comes as the federal government also moves to regulate single-use plastics. In December 2022, the manufacturing and importing of six plastic items — plastic checkout bags, drinking straws, cutlery, stir sticks, ring carriers, and food-service ware made from plastics — were prohibited. Sales of these items will be banned as of Dec. 20, 2023.

B.C.’s new plan complements this move, with the government saying its regulation “promote[s] reusables and eliminate[s] the use of additional items. Over their life cycle, reusable products generally produce fewer emissions, consume less water, and decrease waste, litter, and pollution compared to disposable alternatives.”

“Addressing climate change requires individual and collective action,” said Joan Phillip, MLA-elect for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant.

“Through our government’s waste-reduction policies and programs, we are advancing B.C.’s climate action goals and ensuring a better future for the next generation.”