Single-Use Plastic Bags Ban Came Into Effect in B.C.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The latest regulations on use of single-use plastics has come into force in the province of British Columbia (B.C) with effect from yesterday, 15^th July, 2024. Accordingly, stores across the province will be banned from offering plastic shopping bags to customers. Also, it prohibits sales of oxo-degradable plastic packaging and other single-use items in B.C.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change noted that oxy-degradable plastics contain chemicals that break down into microplastics, thus polluting the environment. In addition to reducing oxy-degradable plastics, the new changes will play a significant role in keeping harmful waste out of landfills.

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The ban on single-use items is part of CleanBC Plastics Action Plan, which intends to promote the use of durable and reusable products in replacement of temporary and disposable plastics. Also, the changes are considered as an extension to the Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation announced last year.

In an earlier survey conducted by Research Co., almost 80% of the B.C. residents had extended support to the province’s move to ban items such as shopping bags, straws, six-pack rings, plastic cutlery etc.

As per government estimates, approximately 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packages were discarded in the province during 2019. This is equivalent to more than 65 kilograms of plastic waste per person per year sent to landfill.