Edmonton on track to get rid of single-use plastics. Here's how
The City of Edmonton is moving ahead on a new bylaw aimed at reducing the number of single-use items, like plastic cutlery and bags, that end up in city landfills and on city streets.
The new single-use bylaw would ban plastic shopping bags and require a mandatory fee for paper or reusable shopping bags. It would also require restaurants and foodservice establishments to use reusable cups for dine-in service and create policies to allow customers to bring their own reusable cups in.
Under the new bylaw, condiments and single use food items like paper straws and stir sticks would also only be available by request.
A document outlining the new bylaw reports that an estimated 450 million single-use items, like takeout containers and disposable cups, are discarded in Edmonton every year - and most end up in landfills and as litter on streets and in green spaces.
Mayor Amerjeet Sohi said that less waste saves money in the long run and it’s time to encourage people to make the switch to more durable items that can be reused.
“I think it’s not just about plastic single use. It’s about all the single-use items that we can avoid using. Because they end up in our environment - in the river valley, in the river - or they end up in the landfill.”
There are some exceptions to the rule. Charities and health-care facilities won’t be subject to the bylaw. Civic events, like city festivals, will also be exempt if holding a valid permit.
The report said any groups or organizations exempt from the bylaw would still need to adhere to the anticipated federal legislation banning single-use plastics.
The public will have the opportunity to offer their thoughts and feedback on the proposed changes at a hearing later this year. The new bylaw is currently slated to come into effect on July 1, 2023.
With files from Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.