City of Victoria to enact bylaw limiting distribution of single-use items

City of Victoria Council voted unanimously this week to move forward with a new bylaw that will require businesses to limit the distribution of single-use foodware accessories to customers.

Items such as straws, plastic utensils and paper cups will be only made available to customers upon request under the new bylaw, which is aimed at reducing the amount of such items in trash cans and landfills around the city.

The measure is part of the City’s larger ‘Zero Waste Victoria’ plan that aims to reduce wastage by 50 percent over the next two decades:

“The City’s garbage bins tell a story of needless waste,” said Victoria Mayor Marrianne Alto in a press release. “Reusable alternatives to disposable single-use items have a clear benefit to the cleanliness of Victoria streets and parks, and to our environment.”

The City claims over 200,000 single-use items are thrown away every day in Victoria.

More information can be found at the City of Victoria website.