In a press release published on October 7, 2020, the Government of Canada announced the development of a plan to achieve zero plastic waste within the country by 2030. The plan would create new legislation banning single-use plastic items including “checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery, and food ware made from hard-to-recycle plastics.” It would further set minimum recycled content requirements and expand producer responsibility. In order to move forward with the legislation, the country would list “plastic manufactured items” under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), which would legally classify the items as “toxic substances”.
Details of the proposed plan are part of a discussion paper, and the government has also published a scientific assessment of plastic pollution. The proposed plan is currently open for public comments until December 9, 2020. The new regulations are set to be finalized by the end of 2021.
Read More
Government of Canada (October 7, 2020). “Canada one-step closer to zero plastic waste by 2030.”
Terry Hyland (October 8, 2020). “Canada to issue proposed order to designate plastics as toxic.” Chemical Watch
Terry Hyland (October 15, 2020). “Is Canada’s proposed plastics ban plan a step towards a circular economy?” Chemical Watch
Reference
Government of Canada (October 7, 2020). “Discussion on A Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastic Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution.”
