Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Single-use plastic bags banned as next round of B.C. plastic regulations kicks in

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 15 Jul, 2024 03:21 PM
  • Single-use plastic bags banned as next round of B.C. plastic regulations kicks in

Plastic shopping bags and other single-use products are no longer available at British Columbia stores as the government implements the latest step in its plan to phaseout certain plastic items and keep harmful chemicals out of landfills.

Businesses may no longer provide single-use plastic shopping bags, and they must charge a minimum of $2 for new reusable bags or 25 cents for new paper bags.

A statement from the province says food-service businesses are also restricted from distributing single-use containers with certain plastics that are hard to recycle, including "biodegradable" and "compostable" plastics as well as polystyrene foam.

Food-service businesses have been barred from offering disposable plastic utensils since December 2023, with some exceptions, such as plastic lids for drinks.

Oxo-degradable plastic packaging has also been banned.

The province says products made of oxo-degradable plastics are often marketed as biodegradable, green, or eco-friendly, but they contain chemicals that cause the material to break down into tiny microplastics that pollute the environment. 

To support a smooth transition, the province says businesses can use PVC film wrap until 2028 and polystyrene meat trays can be used for raw meat until 2030.

The changes come after B.C. introduced its single-use and plastic waste prevention regulation in July 2023, with the first restrictions taking effect last December.

The Opposition BC United issued a statement Monday saying the fees for reusable or paper bags are "punitive" and hurt consumers in the middle of an affordability crisis.

MORE National ARTICLES

Motion on Israel-Hamas war will have consequences for asylum seekers in Gaza: Miller

Motion on Israel-Hamas war will have consequences for asylum seekers in Gaza: Miller
A  parliamentary motion on the Israel-Hamas war the House of Commons passed Monday could make it harder for people seeking asylum in Canada to get out of Gaza, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Wednesday.  He said it could make the situation worse for a Canadian program that has already been, in his words, a "failure."  

Motion on Israel-Hamas war will have consequences for asylum seekers in Gaza: Miller

One arrested in Vancouver stabbing

One arrested in Vancouver stabbing
Police in Vancouver say one man has been arrested and another has been released from hospital after a stabbing in the city's Yaletown neighbourhood this morning. They say a member of the public called 9-1-1 to report that a man was allegedly chasing people with a knife, and another man had been stabbed.

One arrested in Vancouver stabbing

Former police board member claims Victoria police face 'crisis of integrity'

Former police board member claims Victoria police face 'crisis of integrity'
Paul Schachter told a police board meeting Tuesday that policing in Victoria is facing a "crisis of integrity" as he pointed to concerns set out by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who criticized officers for "intentionally lying" to prosecutors and the court, derailing a major drug investigation. 

Former police board member claims Victoria police face 'crisis of integrity'

B.C. funds project to extract minerals, metals while reducing environmental impacts

B.C. funds project to extract minerals, metals while reducing environmental impacts
The British Columbia government is funding a pilot project that it says offers the mining industry a path to significantly reduce the environmental impacts of extracting critical minerals. A statement from the province says Vancouver-based PH7 Technologies Inc. has developed a "closed-loop" process using chemistry to extract and refine critical minerals and help the industry transition to renewable energy.

B.C. funds project to extract minerals, metals while reducing environmental impacts

Richmond businesses fraud

Richmond businesses fraud
A police statement says the businesses have lost tens of thousands of dollars. The Mounties say the fraudsters appear to be intercepting and cashing cheques from the businesses that are being mailed using a nearby Canada Post mailbox.

Richmond businesses fraud

B.C. to add 500 public electric vehicle charging stations to fill gaps in network

B.C. to add 500 public electric vehicle charging stations to fill gaps in network
Drivers of electric vehicles in British Columbia can expect another 500 public charging stations to come online, adding to more than 5,000 available across the province. A statement from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation says it's providing $30 million from this year's budget to expand B.C.'s "electric highway."

B.C. to add 500 public electric vehicle charging stations to fill gaps in network