Actions and success stories in plastic reduction

Government is committed to phasing out single-use plastics and transitioning to the circular economy through many actions.  Learn about some of the actions we're taking to phase out single-use plastics and read success stories about our transition to a circular economy.

On this page

• Circular economy
• Actions to reduce plastic waste
• Success stories
• Contact us

Circular economy

In a circular economy, resources are never tossed but instead are reused, recycled and reintroduced as new products. 

Actions to reduce plastic waste

Here are some examples of the actions we're taking in B.C. to reduce single-use plastics and move toward a circular economy.

B.C.'s recycling system

In B.C., producers of products listed under the Recycling Regulation are responsible for the life cycle of the products they make, including:

• Collecting product waste
  • For example: residential household collection or recycling depots
• The end-of-life waste management of that product
  • Such as, reuse and recycling

This waste management approach is called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). To learn more about B.C.’s EPR programs, visit Extended Producer Responsibility.

Investments in plastic waste solutions 

B.C. has invested nearly $40 million through the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund. This fund supports made-in-B.C. solutions that:

• Reduce the use of new plastic
• Expand reuse of plastic
• Increase the use of recycled plastic
• Create new jobs

Learn more about the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund

Investments in shoreline cleanups

Ocean plastic is an important and emerging focus for environmental protection in the province. The issues of abandoned vessels, marine debris, and marine-sourced plastics are complex.

• Learn more about ocean plastics and marine debris clean up

Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund

Through the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund, B.C. has provided funding to First Nations, local communities and businesses to remove debris and derelict vessels from B.C.’s coastline.

To date, this program has:

• Removed over 1,500 tonnes of marine debris, including 118 derelict vessels
• Cleaned more than 4,600 kilometres of shoreline; and
• Created more than 1,700 well-paying jobs

Learn more about the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund

Success stories