Vancouver’s ban on plastic straws and foam takeout containers may be delayed until next year

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Plastic straws and Styrofoam containers may not be disappearing from Vancouver restaurants quite yet.

RELATED: Richmond eyes ban on single-use plastics

The ban on all unnecessary single-use items like straws and takeout containers is scheduled to begin in June, but city staff are recommending extending the deadline to get rid of foam cups and take out containers until the end of the year, and to April 2020 for phasing out plastic straws.

The city has previously said there won’t be an outright ban on straws but a reduction of their use because some people with disabilities and other health challenges need them to drink.

Project manager Monica Kosmak says the recommendation comes after consultations with business owners who say they need more time to make the switch.

“What we heard generally speaking is that businesses support and recognize the need for the change, but that they need more time to be able to adjust their business practices,” she says.

RELATED: Victoria could ban disposable coffee cups and take-out containers

Small business owners were especially keen to ask for more time.

“In response to the stakeholder feedback we’ve received, particularly from small business, who’ve indicated that the most meaningful support the city can provide is to give them more time to source affordable and acceptable alternatives,” she says.

RELATED: Move to eliminate plastic waste could add $1 to cost of a take-out meal

Extending the deadline would help make sure businesses follow the rules, she says.

“Especially when the city launches its education campaign in the fall of this year to give them the information for consumers and businesses to transition away from foam,” Kosmak says.

The staff report says a second report this November will provide more details on the proposed bylaws.

“The request to extend the start dates for the ban on foam cups, foam take-out containers and the unnecessary use of plastic straws is in response to stakeholder feedback, particularly from small businesses, who have indicated that the most meaningful support the city can provide is enough time for businesses to find convenient, affordable and accessible alternatives,” the report says.

The city launched plans last spring to help the environment by mandating a reduction in the use of single-use items.

B.C.-wide policy would work better: staff

The city says reducing pollution can’t be done at the local level alone, so staff are recommending council put forward resolutions at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention requesting provincial support.

The proposed resolutions would call on the province to ensure “compostable” single-use items are designed to fully biodegrade if littered in the natural environment and the items align with composting infrastructure, collection and management in the province.

“If municipalities are left to fill the policy gap, there is a risk of creating a patchwork of regulations across the province, resulting in compliance challenges for businesses,” reads the report. “Inconsistent programs across the province could also create public confusion, which impedes widespread consumer behaviour change and a movement to reduce single-use items.”

They also call for a more comprehensive provincial strategy for reducing the use of disposable items that aligns with federal goals for the reduction of plastic waste.

“Concerns around plastic packaging and marine plastic pollution have emerged as a global priority. It is clear that these issues require support and action from all levels of government — not just at the local level,” the release says.

Vancouver staff report on single-use item bans
plastic ban1

– With files from Lauren Boothby

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