On June 10, 2019 the Canadian government issued a communication detailing planned steps for tackling plastic pollution. An action plan for implementing a Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste will be developed, including the “banning of harmful single-use plastics as early as 2021 […] where supported by scientific evidence and when warranted – and taking other steps to reduce plastic waste”.
Further, the communication notes that “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs are recognized as an effective mechanism to support the creation of a circular economy”. The Canadian government plans to establish EPR programs, as well as setting targets for “plastics collection, recycling, and recycled content requirements.”
Additional measures were also discussed such as launching citizen-science activities, changing government procurement requirements and banning microbeads in personal care products beginning July 1, 2019. In addition, the establishment of Canada’s Plastics Science Agenda was announced and will look at the lifecycle of plastics and aim to enable “evidence-based decision-making and innovative approaches to sustainable plastics production, recycling, and recovery.”
Canada is following in the footsteps of the European Union, where a ban on certain single-use plastics was decided in December 2018 (FPF reported) and finalized in May 2019 (FPF reported).
Read more
Prime Minister of Canada (June 10, 2019). “Government of Canada taking action to reduce plastic pollution.”
Tyler Choi and Steve Scherer (June 11, 2019). “Canada to ban plastic bags and straws as it cleans up its act.” The Sydney Morning Herald
Plastics News Europe (June 13, 2019). “Canada set to introduce extensive plastics ban.”
PlastEurope (June 13, 2019). “SINGLE-USE PLASTICS. Canadian government proposes SUP ban from 2021 / Based on European model.”
IFT (June 13, 2019). “Canada to ban single-use plastics by 2021.”
Rina Li (June 14, 2019). “Scrap Collector: Trudeau announces Canadian ban on single-use plastics.” Waste Dive
