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Single-Use items Bylaw How we are reducing single-use items

Single-use items such as plastic shopping bags, utensils, straws, and napkins are designed to be used only once before being thrown away. By saying “no thanks,” or using reusable options, we will use fewer single-use items. This means that less will be thrown away or end up as litter.

Calgary’s Single-Use Items Bylaw has been approved by City Council and went into effect on January 16, 2024.

Did you know: Each week in Calgary, millions of single-use items are thrown in the garbage.

Single-use items are a great opportunity for businesses and Calgarians to reduce their waste.

Why are they a problem

It’s the way we use single-use products.

  • These products are used once then thrown away in the garbage in large amounts.
  • They end up as litter in our streets and parks or in the environment where they can harm our rivers, land and wildlife.
  • These products use significant raw materials and energy to make and dispose of for them to only be used once. 

What can we do about it

The best way to reduce single-use item waste is to stop using them whenever possible.

By refusing single-use items and choosing reusable options, you will use fewer single-use items. This means less will be thrown away in the garbage or end up as litter.

Contact us

If you have questions regarding the bylaw or the repeal, fill out the online service request below or contact 311.

Supporting documents

The new Single-Use Items Bylaw came into effect on January 16, 2024

The bylaw focuses on items that can easily be avoided or replaced with reusable options. The goal is to reduce single-use items made from all types of materials, not just plastics.

Businesses will need to

  • Charge a minimum fee for new paper and reusable shopping bags.
  • Provide shopping bags by request only.
  • Provide foodware accessories by request only.

Calgarians will need to

  • Bring their own reusable bag or tote when shopping.
  • Ask for foodware accessories as needed, when dining in, taking out or ordering food online.

We all benefit when there is less single-use item waste

Beautify our city

Communities and public spaces are more enjoyable with less single-use litter.

Respect our land

Reduces negative environmental impacts to our water bodies, land and wildlife.

Save on costs

When customers use less items, it helps businesses cut down costs.

By not automatically including straws, utensils and condiments in a customer’s order, businesses will use up less quantities of these items. It also reduces costs associated with managing waste within the business.

Revenues from bag fees will be kept by businesses to help offset the cost of new paper and reusable bags.

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