Foodware accessories requirements
Single-Use items Bylaw Foodware accessories requirements
What you need to know
Foodware accessories can only be provided by request whether dining in, taking out or ordering food online.
Accessories can be requested in the following ways:
- When customer asks staff for foodware accessories or selects from a self-serve area,
- When staff asks the customer if they require foodware accessories,
- When a customer answers a prompt requesting specific foodware accessories on an ordering platform.
Note: Only the accessories requested can be provided. The bylaw does not require businesses to charge fees for foodware accessories that are requested by customers.
This applies to in-store, take out, drive-thru and delivery orders.
Contact us
If you have questions regarding the bylaw or the repeal, fill out the online service request below or contact 311.
Supporting documents
Foodware accessories include items used for or related to eating and drinking. Examples include, but not limited to the following.
- Utensils: Spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, etc.
- Straws
- Stir sticks, splash sticks, cocktail sticks, toothpicks.
- Napkins.
- Pre-packaged condiments such as soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, relish, bbq sauce, hot sauce, jam, peanut butter, milk/creamer and sugar, etc.
What your business needs to do
Update your online, mobile app and telephone point-of-sale systems to allow customers to request the foodware accessories that they need.
Build on existing customer service practices by training staff to ask customers if they need foodware accessory items and not to add accessories to orders unless they are requested.
Use posters to help inform customers and remind them to ‘request’ items they need, ‘say no’ to items they don’t need and to bring their own reusable items.
Food serviceware FAQ
Why can’t we switch to compostable or biodegradable plastic utensils?
On December 20, 2023, the Government of Canada is banning the distribution of plastic utensils that are labelled as compostable or biodegradable. They will not be available anywhere in Canada.
Plastic items like cups, cutlery and containers labeled or described as "compostable" or "degradable" are not accepted in Calgary’s residential recycling and composting programs. These items do not break down fully at the Calgary Composting Facility and are not recyclable. Once they reach people’s homes, they must be discarded as garbage.
Are drive thrus an take-away restaurants required to comply with the bylaw requirements?
Yes, drive thrus and take-away restaurants must comply. Businesses must:
- Charge the minimum fee for new paper or new reusable shopping bags.
- Provide new paper or new reusable shopping bags by request only.
- Provide foodware accessories by request only.
Are food delivery and grocery delivery services required to comply with the bylaw requirements?
Yes, food delivery and grocery delivery services must comply. Businesses must:
- Charge the minimum fee for new paper or new reusable shopping bags.
- Provide new paper or new reusable shopping bags by request only.
- Provide foodware accessories by request only.
Do the foodware accessory requirements apply to hospitals and other healthcare facilities?
The bylaw requirements do not apply to food service to patients in hospitals or residents of community care facilities. It does apply to food vendors with a Calgary business license whose premises are in hospitals or community care facilities that serve prepared food to customers.
What kind of utensils and other foodware accessories should we provide to our customers?
We encourage businesses to source reusable alternatives or single-use packaging that can be recycled or composted in the Calgary residential programs. Learn more at Suggested Alternatives Guide and use our What Goes Where? tool.
Do customers have to ask for single-use utensils and other foodware accessories, or can staff offer them to customers?
Staff can offer them to customers. Accessories can be requested in the following ways:
- When customer asks staff for foodware accessories or selects from a self-serve area,
- When staff asks the customer if they require foodware accessories,
- When a customer answers a prompt requesting specific foodware accessories on an ordering platform.
Note: Only the accessories requested can be provided.
Can single-use utensils and other foodware accessories be provided at self-serve stations?
Yes. Self-serve stations are allowed.
Can single-use utensils and other foodware accessories be set out on dining tables?
No. Single-use utensils and straws cannot be set out at individual place settings or in a container on dining tables.
These items must only be provided on request, or at self-serve stations in a separate area on the premises.