The long-awaited provincial ban on the distribution of retail plastic bags will come into effect on July 1st.
After that date, stores across Newfoundland and Labrador will only be allowed to distribute reusable bags made primarily of cloth or washable fabric, that are designed to be capable of at least 100 uses.
Government set out to draft the bag ban after amendments were made to the Environmental Protection Act last April. Over 3,000 submissions were made during a series of public consultations.
The newly-announced restrictions carry a list of exemptions. For example, bags used to package and transport many food items are exempt.
Likewise, bags used to protect newspapers, clothes after laundering, and used tires will be allowed.
Exemptions according to the new regulations:
Exemptions
4. (1) Section 3 does not apply to a bag used to
(a) package fruit, vegetables, candy, grains, nuts and other loose bulk food items;
(b) package meat, poultry or fish, whether pre-packaged or not;
(c) wrap flowers or potted plants;
(d) protect prepared foods or bakery goods that are not pre-packaged;
(e) transport live fish;
(f) protect newspapers or printed material left at a person’s residence or place of business;
(g) protect clothes after professional laundering or dry cleaning; or
(h) protect used tires taken off vehicles and placed in a person’s vehicle.
The restrictions do not apply to the sale of products—such as garbage bags—intended for use at home or businesses that are sold in packages of multiple bags.
To address packaging in general, the provincial government indicates work is ongoing with the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to develop a long-term strategy.
View the newly-announced regulations under the Environmental Protection Act at this link.
