Victoria Adopts New Bylaw to Reduce Single-Use Items
- Source URL
- https://www.victoria.ca/city-government/news/city-adopts-new-bylaw-reduce-single-use-items
The City of Victoria has taken a significant step towards sustainability by adopting a new bylaw aimed at reducing the distribution of single-use items. Approved by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in July 2024, the Single-Use Items Reduction Bylaw was officially adopted by the City Council.
Mayor Marianne Alto highlighted the bylaw’s importance in fostering a circular economy, reducing waste, and creating a cleaner community. The bylaw, which will be phased in from December 2024 to March 2026, mandates that businesses provide food ware accessories only upon request and use reusable dishware for on-site dining.
This initiative is expected to eliminate up to 60 million single-use items annually, significantly reducing the strain on the Hartland Landfill. The bylaw complements federal and provincial restrictions on single-use plastics and aligns with the City’s Zero Waste Victoria plan to cut waste by 50% by 20405.
The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association has expressed support for the bylaw, appreciating the City’s collaborative approach with the industry.
For more information, visit Single-use Items | City of Victoria