Whereas the British Columbia extended producer responsibility program for packaging and printed paper currently provides recycling collection for single-use items generated by the residential sector, but does not yet focus on reduction or reuse, or cover single-use items that are compostable or disposed of at businesses or in the public realm; And whereas inter-municipal differences in policy for reduction of single-use items make it challenging for businesses to comply with multiple regulations, and the business community has expressed a strong desire for harmonization and consistent regulation for single-use items on the broadest possible scale: Therefore be it resolved that the Provincial Government adopt a provincial single-use item reduction strategy for single-use items that emphasizes reduction and reuse, covers single-use items generated by all sectors and made of all material types, and would include but not necessarily be limited to plastic and paper shopping bags, disposable drink cups, take-out containers, straws and utensils, but would exclude all single-use items needed for medical use or accessibility needs.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy The Province of British Columbia is encouraged by the level of engagement and action being taken by local governments with respect to single-use items and plastic waste. The Province also recognizes that there are actions being taken by local governments that could be supported by a responsive provincial approach for both single-use items and waste management generally. Recognizing the need for a new approach to plastics and single-use items, the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan and engagement was launched by the Province on July 25th, 2019. Through the consultation paper, the Ministry sought feedback on developing new policy options and actions in four connected areas to reduce plastic pollution and use less plastic overall. This included information on the use of bans, levies or fees for single use packaging and expanding producer responsibility for packaging-like products and single-use items. The consultation closed on September 30th, 2019 and the Ministry is currently reviewing feedback collected during the engagement period and will publish a What We Heard report to inform the appropriate policy or regulatory responses. Any work to explore new regulation would be accompanied by further consultation in advance of any regulatory changes.