Toronto is one step closer to banning the worst plastics, which are wreaking havoc through the full life cycle of production, use, and disposal.

Starting March 1st, two new by-laws mean Toronto businesses and customers will be dealing with less waste. Businesses across Toronto will: ask-first before giving out accessories like utensils, condiments and napkins, and allow customers to bring their own clean cup or bag

This is urgent: Canada’s ban on single use plastic bags, utensils and food containers was slated to start December 2023. This created a big incentive for businesses, small and large, to prepare for the ban and seek out alternatives. A November 2023 federal court decision sided with the plastics industry throws the future of the federal ban into doubt.

This summer, the Canadian government has outlined a plan to make major grocery retailers cut plastic packaging and offer more groceries in bulk and refillable containers. This is a big step forward to eliminate plastics and single-use packaging.