After almost a year in the waiting, Squamish's plastic reduction bylaw has become a reality. As a result, fees for checkout bags at retailers and groceries will be the norm.
On Dec. 17, council voted unanimously in favour of adopting the bylaw.
"We have received a few comments from the public around how...maybe it doesn't go far enough with regards to reducing plastic waste," said Coun. Jenna Stoner.
"I just want to reassure folks that this is intended and written as a single-use items reduction bylaw in an effort to reduce all single-use items and shift our population towards a space of less disposable lifestyles. I just want to reiterate that we haven't lost sight of that in the long term."
Council initially asked staff to draft the regulation as an outright ban on plastic bags and straws, but after researching the matter, municipal staff recommended a reduction instead
Council took them up on that recommendation.
Taking away plastic bags, staff said, could result in the increased use of paper bags — among other types of bags — that have a higher carbon footprint.
Staff said plastic straws should stay because people with disabilities require a material that is flexible, usable for hot and cold fluids and sanitary. No other types of straws fulfill all those needs.
Plastic straws will be freely available on-demand. However, fees will be imposed on checkout bags at retailers and grocery stores.
Squamish's reduction comes after a recent B.C. Court of Appeal ruling found that Victoria's ban on plastic bags was not lawful because the city had not asked the permission of the Ministry of Environment beforehand.
Victoria is trying to appeal that decision to the Supreme Court of Canada, though it's unclear if that court will hear the case.
In a split decision weeks ago, District of Squamish council decided that it would not ask for the Ministry of Environment's permission before implementing the reduction.
Mayor Karen Elliott said at a prior council meeting that because the bylaw was a reduction — not a ban — the District has the authority to pass the regulation.
Other elected officials, however, such as Coun. Doug Race were concerned that forgoing the province's approval could open up the municipality to legal challenges.
FEE STRUCTURE
Under the new bylaw, the fee structure for bags is as follows:
— $0.10 per plastic bag, increasing to $0.25 ninety days after adoption
— $0.30 per paper bag, increasing to $0.75 ninety days after adoption
— $1.10 per reusable bag increasing to $2.75 ninety days after adoption of
Fees will not be imposed on certain "exempt" plastic or paper bags that package items such as:
— loose bulk food items ( fruit, vegetables, nuts, grain or candy);
— loose small hardware items such as nails and bolts;
— frozen foods such as meat, poultry or fish, whether pre-packaged or not;
— flowers or potted plants;
— prepared foods or bakery goods that are not pre-packaged;
— prescription drugs received from a pharmacy;
— clothing after professional laundering or dry cleaning.
— newspapers or other printed material intended to be left at the customer's residence or place of business;
However, the exemption for newspapers will disappear 90 days after the bylaw goes into effect. After that, fees will be imposed.
Bags and straws made from biodegradable or compostable plastics are banned, as the District says these materials either cannot be recycled or contaminate organics bins.
"The bylaw, therefore, prohibits 'biodegradable' or 'compostable' plastic bags and straws. as these items cannot be composted or recycled," reads a news release from the municipality.
By the District's count, plastics from both residences and commercial businesses account for an approximate 9.5% of waste currently sent to the Squamish landfill.
