The City of Nanaimo's plastic bag ban took effect at local retailers on July 1. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

attacking plastic

Nanaimo’s plastic checkout bag ban takes effect

Jul 2, 2021 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — Single-use plastic bags are a thing of the past at Nanaimo retail outlets.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags to Nanaimo stores since the City’s checkout bag bylaw took effect on Canada Day.

Shoppers can buy paper or reusable bags at the checkout of Nanaimo stores for a standard rate.

Exceptions to the bylaw include small bags for bulk goods and produce, multi-packs of plastic bags and small paper bags.

Compostable and biodegradable bags are also no longer legally an option for retailers due to environmental considerations.

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The City is softly launching the bylaw with an educational approach being taken first for non-compliant retailers before fines are levied in the new year.

Consultations by the City two years ago showed 65 per cent of local residents strongly supported banning plastic checkout bags, while most retailers already provided alternatives.

Nanaimo City Council approved the plastic bag bylaw in late February, shortly after receiving provincial government approval.

Last fall the federal government announced its intention to ban several single-use plastic items nation-wide by 2030, including checkout bags, straws and cutlery.

The City’s plastic bag bylaw is mirrored after the City of Victoria’s approach, who received confirmation in a 2018 BC Supreme Court ruling that municipalities have the right to regulate single-use checkout bags.

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