New plastic ban takes effect Jan. 1 in Vancouver
Vancouver is clamping down further on plastic and container waste. On Jan. 1, new rules go into effect to ban plastic shopping bags, along with new fees to cut down on trash.
Tonnes of plastics and other waste wash up along British Columbia shores every year. In 2018, the City of Vancouver reported about 89 million plastic shopping bags discarded, along with 80 million single use cups.
"As a coastal city, it's important to Vancouver to reduce the amount of plastic pollution," said Monica Kosmak, City of Vancouver senior project manager for the single-use reduction strategy.
No more plastic shopping bags. If you want a paper one, it has to be made of at least 40 per cent recycled content and you'll have to pay a 15-cent fee, rising to 25 cents in 2023.
A minimum 25-cent fee will apply for each single-use beverage cup. Consumers who buy a reusable shopping bag will have to pay a $1 fee, which increases to $2 in 2023.
"I think what we see with the issue of plastic pollution is that it's close to home for people and it's something they can take action on," said Kosmak.
Consumers are already conditioned to think about cutting down waste and reducing garbage. Plastic straws are banned and food vendors are banned from serving prepared food in foam cups and foam take-out containers such as plates, bowls, trays, cartons, and hinged or lidded containers. If consumers want single-use utensils, they have to ask for them.
Vancouver made the bylaw changes under its own charter.
In addition, the province has cleared the way for other municipalities to enact laws to reduce plastic and single-use waste. More than 20 municipalities are already developing bylaws to do that.
CTV News spoke to several consumers about the new rules and no one objected.
One woman we spoke with is quite disgusted with all the packaging she sees in stores.
"It's just unbelievable. Everything's in plastic but they won't give you the plastic bag to put the plastic in. Ban it all," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.