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Community resources for plastic regulations

Last updated on May 9, 2024

B.C. is taking action to prevent single-use plastics and reduce waste. This action includes the Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation. Find out what you can do to help reduce the amount of plastic waste across B.C.

On this page

Things you can do to reduce plastic waste

Every day, you can take action to help reduce plastic waste:

  • Choose reusable options. For example, carry a cup or bring a bag
  • Avoid single-use food service accessories. If you need a disposable item, like a wooden fork or straw, choose only what you’ll use
  • Pick products with less packaging. For example, buy loose fruits and vegetables
  • Reuse packaging before recycling it

Alternatives to single-use plastics

Looking for alternatives for single-use items? Our guides can help. 

Gathering guide

The Zero waste gatherings guide (PDF, 774KB) was developed in partnership with the Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Committee for Indigenous communities hosting gatherings. In the guide you can find:

  • Information on options for less waste
  • Funding opportunities to support Indigenous-led projects reducing waste

Alternatives guide

The Alternatives to single-use plastics guide (PDF, 335 KB) can help you find alternatives to single-use items whether you are at home or hosting an event. Our guide directs you to the options that are best for our environment.

Drinks

drinking glass and yellow ceramic cup

Best

  • Reusable cups 
  • Reusable cup programs

white paper cup with recyclable plastic lid

Acceptable

  • Paper cups, including those lined with compostable or other permitted plastic. Plastic-lined paper packaging should be cleaned and recycled, not composted
  • Cups and lids made from easily recyclable plastic, such as PET (#1), HDPE (#2) and PP (#5)

white styrofoam cup

Avoid

  • Polystyrene foam cups
  • Hard-to-recycle plastic cups and lids, including those made with MFPP, compostable, biodegradable or oxo-degradable plastic

Food

Plate and reusable containers with blue lid

Best

  • Reusable dishes for on-site dining
  • Reusable container program

 

paper and aluminium food containers

Acceptable

  • Paper or plant-fibre containers, including those lined with compostable or other permitted plastic. Plastic-lined paper packaging should be cleaned and recycled, not composted
  • Aluminium foil containers
  • Containers made from easily recyclable plastic, such as PET (#1), HDPE (#2) and PP (#5)

Styrofoam food container

Avoid

  • Polystyrene foam containers
  • Hard-to-recycle plastic containers and lids, including those made with MFPP, compostable, biodegradable or oxo-degradable plastic

 

Utensils 

Reusable wooden chopsticks and metal spoon, knife and fork

Best

  • Reusable utensils for on-site dining including chopsticks

Wooden chopsticks, fork, knife and spoon

Acceptable

  • Uncoated wood utensils, distributed only on request or at a self-serve station

white plastic single-use fork, knife and spoon

Avoid

  • Plastic utensils, including those made with compostable, biodegradable or oxo-degradable plastic

Shopping bags

white mesh bag

Best

  • Reusable bags brought by customers
  • Reusable bag program

Blue cloth bag

Acceptable

  • Durable reusable bags on request for a minimum fee of $2
  • Paper bags with at least 40% recycled content on on request for a fee or a minimum fee of $0.25

Avoid

  • Plastic bags

Straws

white reusable cup with blue lid

Best

  • Cups that don't require straws

white and blue paper straw

Acceptable

  • Paper straws, distributed only on request or at a self-serve station 

white plastic straw

Avoid

  • Plastic straws (unless needed for accessibility) including those made with compostable, biodegradable or oxo-degradable plastic

Contact information

Reach out if you need help or want more information.

Email
Plastics@gov.bc.ca