Toronto has implemented new by-laws starting on March 1st 2024 to reduce single-use waste. These by-laws require businesses to:
- 1. Ask customers before providing accessories like utensils, condiments, and napkins,
- 2. Allow customers to bring their own clean cup or bag.
The aim is to cut down on single-use plastics and other disposables, benefiting both the environment and businesses by reducing unnecessary items handed out daily. This initiative follows similar actions taken by other cities globally and is a significant achievement resulting from the efforts of community advocates and reuse champions advocating for change.
How will the new by-laws affect businesses in Toronto?
Businesses are now required to ask customers before providing accessories like utensils, condiments, and napkins, as well as allow customers to bring their own clean cup or bag. These practices aim to cut down on single-use plastics and other disposables, ultimately saving businesses money by reducing unnecessary items handed out daily.
The city is committed to helping businesses comply through education and outreach activities, but non-compliance can lead to significant financial penalties. Businesses in Toronto that violate the new single-use by-laws could face fines ranging from no less than $500 to no more than $100,000.
Eligible single-use “accessory food items”
These items can be made of any material, not just plastic, and include but are not limited to straws, napkins, stir sticks, utensils, beverage takeout trays, and condiment packages.
The by-law aims to reduce single-use waste by introducing an Ask-First/By-Request requirement for these accessory food items, prompting customers to consider whether they require these items before receiving them
Does this by law include takeaway food containers?
Not at this time – focuses on single-use “accessory food items” such as utensils, straws, napkins, and paper shopping bags.
What should consumers know about bringing your own cup?
We spoke with our friends at Muuse who offer reusable cup and food containers to restaurants & cafes, who highlighted the importance of bringing your own CLEAN cup. The by-law is intended to cover reusable cups for coffee and tea (where the liquid is served over 100C meeting Public Health safety concerns). However, if you bring your own drink cup to an event serving beer, the business should serve your beer in your own container as long as its clean per Public Health guidelines.
However, the establishment technically shouldn’t serve you a second beer if there is evidence of it not being clean.
Is there funding available for businesses ?
The Circular Food Innovators Fund (CFIF) by the City of Toronto supports businesses in creating reuse systems, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of single-use items. With financial grants for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, CFIF encourages sustainable practices and waste reduction in the food sector.
Who helped to organize and help this by-law come into effect?
Our understanding is environmental organizations like Toronto Environmental Alliance and Reusables Toronto were instrumental. We love grassroots people power and appreciate their perseverance. But they aren’t done yet – here are their proposed next steps
Citations:
https://www.torontoenvironment.org/new_single_use_by_laws_starting_march_1st_in_toronto
https://nationalpost.com/news/toronto-bylaw-single-use-takeaway-items
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-s-new-single-use-and-takeaway-item-bylaw-comes-into-effect-on-friday-1.6784880
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2024/03/01/toronto-single-use-and-takeaway-items-bylaw/
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/doing-business-with-the-city/understanding-the-procurement-process/purchasing-policies-legislation/changes-to-the-purchasing-by-law/
https://www.torontoenvironment.org/new_single_use_by_laws_starting_march_1st_in_toronto
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-s-new-single-use-and-takeaway-item-bylaw-comes-into-effect-on-friday-1.6784880
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2024/03/01/toronto-single-use-and-takeaway-items-bylaw/
https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en/knowledge/publications/cc6345e7/ontarios-new-consumer-protection-act-one-step-closer-to-becoming-law
https://www.torontoenvironment.org/victory_single_use_plastics_and_foodware