B.C. approves single-use plastics bans in Surrey, Nanaimo, Rossland and Esquimalt

VICTORIA – The British Columbia government has approved single-use plastics bans in four more communities.

Surrey, Nanaimo, Rossland and Esquimalt are the latest municipalities to implement bans based on their particular needs.

The province approved similar bylaws in Victoria, Richmond, Saanich, Tofino and Ucluelet last September to prevent waste such as shopping bags and takeout containers from ending up in landfills and the ocean.

Environment Minister George Heyman says B.C. continues to work on regulations allowing local governments to place bans on single-use plastics without the need for provincial approval.

He says the aim is to reduce plastic use overall, expand the deposit-refund system and call on manufacturers to take more responsibility for their products’ end of life.

Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum says the approval of the city’s bylaw banning plastic checkout bags, foam cups and takeout containers means it can move ahead with its plans as soon as possible.

“It’s a simple and effective way for us to curb our waste and make a positive environmental impact on Surrey,” he says in a statement.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 12, 2021.