About Single-Use Plastic Ban

Richmond’s Single-Use Plastic and Other Items Bylaw No. 10000 is effective March 27, 2022 and bans:

• Plastic checkout bags (including biodegradable and compostable plastics) 
• Plastic straws (including biodegradable and compostable plastics)
• Foam food service ware for prepared food (such as foam plates, clamshell containers, bowls and cups)

Bylaw 10000 was adopted to help reduce unnecessary waste and plastic pollution, and the new ban affects all businesses operating in Richmond. This bylaw is also consistent with other bans in other communities, as well as regulations being developed by federal and provincial governments.

The federal government has proposed Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations which would prohibit the manufacture, import, and sale of six categories of single-use plastics: checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, straws, ring carriers, and stir sticks.