Starting from Jan. 1, a new bylaw means retailers can not provide customers with single-use plastic bags. Instead, consumers will be charged $0.15 for a paper bag or $1.00 for a reusable bag.

More than 20 municipalities in B.C. are developing bylaws banning single-use plastics. Under the previous regulation, bylaws were approved for the municipalities of Nanaimo, Surrey, Victoria and more cities.

Richmond’s single-use plastic and other items Bylaw No. 10000 will come into effect on March 27, 2022. This new legislation affects single-use plastic including, but not limited to, bags, straws, utensils, containers,  stir sticks and more. The ban includes plastic bags or straws that are biodegradable and compostable.

Local restaurants and businesses will have a six-month transition period before bylaw will be enforced in September 2022. According to the bylaw No.10000, the fines upon conviction for each offense start at $500 and up to $10,000, in addition to the costs of prosecutions. Bylaw No. 10000 aims at reducing single-use plastic waste and mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production and usage. 

“It is crucial that we address single-use plastics as a significant cause of environmental damage in our oceans, local waterways and other natural areas by reducing this type of unnecessary waste as we support a more sustainable, circular economy,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.

The impact will change the way restaurants and bars handle food service, take-out orders and drink service. Small businesses or restaurants should expect an increase in costs which can lead to an increase in the price point.

Retailers need to follow these ordinances to be in compliance with new laws regarding disposable items. Restaurants and bars should be thinking of options with suppliers or vendors for alternatives.