City of Regina to Ban Plastic Bags With Effect From February 2022

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The City of Regina announced Tuesday that the proposed Plastic Checkout Bag Ban Bylaw will come into effect on February 1, 2022. This will ban City stores from providing plastic bags at customer checkout counters. The ban was supposed to be implemented in August last year, but was delayed on account of Covid-19 pandemic spread.

The Bylaw prohibits a retail or food service business from providing, distributing or selling plastic checkout bags, including biodegradable plastic. Simultaneously, businesses will be prohibited from restricting or denying the use of any reusable container or reusable bag by customers. The rule will be applicable only to plastic bags given to customers at checkout counters. It exempts other in-store plastic bags such as those used for items including bulk food, fruits and vegetables.

The move is intended to prevent plastic litter and minimize plastic waste entering the landfill, thus extending the life of landfills. The Regina residents produce millions of single-use plastic bags every year. It will help Regina join other municipalities across the country to become a more sustainable city, said Bob Hawkins, City Councillor.