Reducing Single-Use Plastic Info & Webinars
The City has taken further steps to reduce waste from single-use and takeaway items. On December 15, 2023, City Council adopted the Update and Action Plan on the Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy, including the Circular Food Innovators Fund with amendments, including the adoption of a new bylaw, Municipal Code Chapter - Single-Use and Takeaway Items Bylaw, which takes effect March 1, 2024.
The bylaw includes a requirement for retail businesses to:
Ask their customers or have their customers request (i.e. “ask-first/by-request”) if they want to receive:
accessory food items, such as straws, napkins, stir sticks, utensils, beverage takeout trays and condiment packages
paper shopping bags.
Accept the use of reusable shopping bags and reusable drink cups by their customers
Not distribute paper shopping bags that are incompatible with the City’s waste diversion programs (i.e., paper shopping bags that include metal grommets, plastic handles, non-paper materials)
The City is also working toward Stage 3 of the Reduction Strategy to look at further measures to be considered for large event venues, and any requirements for retail businesses to accept customers reusable food containers, and to use reusable items for dine-in operations. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to participate in consultation activities and share your feedback.
More information is available at toronto.ca/single-use.
Webinar - Understanding the New Single-Use and Takeaway Items Bylaw, Thursday, Feb 22, 2024
The purpose of the webinar is to:
outline the bylaw requirements that businesses will need to comply with as of March 1, 2024
answer questions from participants about what they need to do to comply with the bylaw
provide details on how to access information and educational resources
provide information on future stages of the Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy and how businesses and residents can provide their feedback
share information on the City’s new grant program – the Circular Food Innovators Fund.
Date & Time: Thursday, February 22, 2024, 10:30 - 11:30 AM
