Edmonton’s Plan to Reduce Single-use Items
Edmonton’s Plan to Reduce Single-use items (SUI) includes measures to help reduce the number of single-use items used by residents and businesses. The SUI Plan notes that regulatory and voluntary actions, along with strong communications and support programs are required to reduce the use of SUI.
The following regulatory actions have been developed and will be incorporated into a future bylaw:
- Banning single-use plastic shopping bags and imposing a minimum fee on paper shopping bags and new reusable shopping bags
- Banning foam cups and containers
- Requiring restaurants to serve dine-in beverage orders in reusable cups and accept reusable customer cups for dine-in and takeout orders (excluding drive-through)
- Providing accessories like utensils, straws, pre-packaged condiments and napkins, by request only
As one of the first support programs to be developed, the City is also planning to offer a grant to help non-profit organizations adapt to the changes. More information will be available later in 2022 when the bylaw is approved.
Why does this matter?
Every single-use item, regardless of what it is made of, has environmental impacts, such as:
- Greenhouse gas emissions from production, distribution and disposal
- Taking up landfill space
- Degrading natural habitat if littered
That’s why the goal of the City’s SUI Plan is to reduce the number of single-use items being used, not just to replace plastics with other materials.
Edmonton’s Plan to Reduce Single-use Items and accompanying recommended bylaw direction were approved by City Council on April 4, 2022. Residents will have the opportunity to speak at a public hearing before a bylaw is approved. The bylaw will take effect one year after it is approved.
By taking action to reduce waste, we can make our community healthier, more attractive and more vibrant now and into the future.
Learn more about Edmonton’s Plan to Reduce Single-use Items in this fact sheet.
View the Single-use Items Reduction Strategy