Therefore be it resolved that the Province of British Columbia engage the packaging industry to develop a provincial Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy as part of a provincial Zero Waste Strategy, which would include but not necessarily be limited to plastic and paper shopping bags, polystyrene foam cups and polystyrene foam containers, other hot and cold drink cups and take-out containers, straws and utensils, but would exclude all single use items needed for medical use or for people with disabilities.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy The Ministry greatly appreciates local government interest in addressing disposable plastic packaging. Disposable packaging from the residential sector is currently regulated through Extended Producer Responsibility EPR programs. B.C. is proud to be a leader in North America with more EPR programs with higher capture rates than any other North American jurisdiction. The Ministry has been focused on pursuing continuous improvement with our 22 existing EPR programs, and will consider expanding B.C.s EPR programs as part of our commitment to the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment Canada-Wide Action Plan for Extended Producer Responsibility. The Ministry will continue to engage with local government as ministry staff work towards further strengthening current policies and programs. Plastics and single-use items are an area of concerted Ministry focus over the coming months. The Ministry commends the actions taken by local governments to develop single-use item strategies and other related initiatives to reduce plastic in the environment.