Are plastic garbage bags going to be banned? Can you still buy garbage bags in Canada? Well, suppose you try to search for the above answers. In that case, many search results will display almost the same message: “Effective December 20, 2022, the manufacture and import for sale of the following harmful single-use plastics in Canada will be prohibited: checkout bags… blah blah blah” Say, if you use checkout bags to store your garbage you won’t be able to use those because checkout bags will be banned. But what about commercial trash bags?
CTV News has a post on those: “What is and is not included in Canada’s ban on single-use plastics” Here are the items which are “covered”: checkout bags, stir sticks, beverage six-pack rings, cutlery, straws, and food packaging made from plastics that are difficult to recycle. And here are the items which are “not covered”: garbage bags, milk bags, snack food wrappers, disposable personal care items and their packaging, beverage containers and lids, contact lenses and packaging, cigarette filters, items used in medical facilities, and personal protective equipment. For more details, please visit the link: https://www.ctvnews.ca/climate-and-environment/what-is-and-is-not-included-in-canada-s-ban-on-single-use-plastics-1.5136387
The government of Canada has an info page on what items are included on the ban list. Single-use plastic includes checkout bags, cutlery, food service ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws. For more details, please visit the link: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/reduce-plastic-waste/single-use-plastic-overview.html#toc2
It is not compulsory to have a garbage liner in our bins. However, our bins will surely become filthy within a week or two without plastic bags to store the garbage. So, some folks suggest that we can line the bin with newspaper or use compostable bags. Glad makes some good ones – Glad 100% compostable bags, available at Amazon, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Loblaws, etc. For product info, please visit the link: https://www.glad.ca/product/glad-100-compostable-bags-small-10-litres-lemon-scent-20-compost-bags/
Sometimes, solving one problem would create another problem. When we are not allowed to use single-use plastic take-out containers, other alternatives become available, and businesses start to use them. Have you noticed that more and more fast-food restaurants are dumping plastic containers and using non-stick, single-use paper containers?
Non-stick single-use food containers may contain Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). What is PFAS? PFAS are a group of artificial chemicals which makes them resistant to heat, water, and oil. PFAS have been associated with a variety of health effects in humans. Some harmful effects of PFAS on the human body include increased risk of cancer, impaired immune function, hormonal disruption, and liver and kidney damage. Sound serious, eh? Maybe next time you order take-out, it would be better to bring your own take-out containers.
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