The days of plastic retail bags are soon coming to an end, despite the fact that COVID-19 remains a serious concern.
The provincial ban, announced last year, comes into effect October 1.
The cost of alternative or reusable bags will be at the discretion of each business.
Consumers using reusable bags are encouraged to wash them frequently.
In response to concerns surrounding the pandemic, the province says Health Canada has not limited the use of reusable bags due to COVID-19, and recommends clean, reusable bags when shopping.
According to the provincial government, the ban of single-use retail plastic bags does not apply to bags used to:
- Package meat, poultry or fish, whether pre-packaged or not;
- Package fruit, vegetables, candy, grains, nuts and other loose bulk food items;
- Wrap flowers or potted plants;
- Protect prepared foods or bakery goods that are not pre-packaged;
- Transport live fish;
- Protect newspapers or printed material left at a person’s residence or place of business;
- Protect clothes after professional laundering or dry cleaning; or
- Protect used tires taken off vehicles and placed in a person’s vehicle.
View the full regulations under the Environmental Protection Act at this link.