The long-awaited provincial plastic bag ban is set to come into effect on Thursday.
While a prohibition of single-use retail plastic bags was announced some time ago, the effort was delayed due to concerns prompted by the pandemic.
As October 1st arrives, the Environmental Protection Act amendments will become active.
The ban does not cover plastic packaging for meats, fruits, vegetables, or loose ingredients bought in bulk, nor does it affect bags used to protect dry cleaning or tires.
The cost of alternative bags—such as reuseable and paper bags—will be up to the individual business.
Anyone using their own reusable bags is encouraged to wash them frequently.