Under Ordinance 2022-143, the ban includes “plastic bags designed to carry goods purchased from a business and bags used to package or deliver food,” according to a news release from the city. Certain exceptions apply, such as fruit and vegetable bags, bulk nut and candy bags, and pet waste bags. In February 2023, the ban on plastic cutlery and straws will come into force. The full text of the city’s press release reads: Earlier this year, the city of Sault Ste. Marie launched a comprehensive community consultation campaign to get feedback from businesses and residents on the ban on single-use plastics. As a result, Statute Law 2022-143, a statute was created to ban the use of single-use plastics. From November 15, 2022, single-use plastic bags will be banned. This includes plastic bags designed to carry goods purchased from a business and bags used to package food that is delivered or delivered. Plastic cutlery, straws, and plastic food items will be banned by February 8, 2023. Enforcement and fees for the regulation will take effect on August 8, 2023. Penalties under this statute include a $500 fine and, in cases of multiple violations, fine is $500 each day up to the $10,000 limit.
Exceptions to the regulation include fruit and vegetable bags, bulk nut and candy bags, and pet waste bags. Also excluded are bags used to protect clothing or linens after professional washing or dry cleaning, medical supplies, tire protection, plastic straws in hospitals, medical facilities or long-term care facilities.
“Single-use plastics are wreaking havoc on soils and waterways, often taking hundreds of years to break down into tiny pieces of plastic called microplastics that threaten the natural world,” says Emily Cormier, sustainability coordinator. “Households, businesses, schools and community organizations all have a role to play in reducing single-use plastics and taking action to protect our environment.”
Federal regulations to ban harmful single-use plastics are imminent. This regulation will focus on six items made from hard-to-recycle plastics, including grocery bags, straws, cutlery, six-pack rings, some takeout containers and stirring sticks. These items were chosen because they are often not recycled and environmentally friendly alternatives are more readily available. For more information on the single-use plastics ban regulation, visit the Council’s website on single-use plastics.