New rules around single-use plastics start Dec. 20

Provincial regulations announced in the summer are set to take effect this month, banning certain single-use plastics in BC. The rules aim to prevent single-use and plastic waste, divert more waste from landfills and keep consumer products working longer.

Starting Dec. 20, businesses can’t use:

• plastic utensils, including spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, stir sticks and drink splash plugs
• pre-packed bundled food service accessories.

By customer request only or from a self-service station:

• wooden utensils
• cup lids and sleeves
• straws
• condiments
• napkins
• wet wipes
• garnishes (e.g., plastic sushi grass, umbrellas for drinks).

The Chamber supports innovation done by business to meet public demands and reduce waste. We will continue to work with regulators to ensure regulations address the changes already implemented by businesses championing climate action leadership.