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Canada’s Single-Use Plastic Ban: Key Timelines and What You Need to Know in 2025

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The Canada single-use plastic ban represents a crucial step towards achieving the nation’s goal of zero plastic waste by 2030. The Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR) aim to curb plastic pollution by banning the manufacture, import, and sale of six categories of single-use plastics. This post summarizes the most recent developments and key timelines, offering an overview for businesses and individuals.



Recent Developments


  1. Federal Court Decision: On November 16, 2023, the Federal Court declared the Order adding "plastic manufactured items" to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) invalid. However, a stay motion granted on January 25, 2024, prevents the ruling from taking effect while the Government appeals the decision.


  2. Current Status: Despite the legal challenges, the SUPPR remains in effect, continuing to prohibit specific single-use plastics. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to adhere to the regulations during this ongoing legal process.


What Is Prohibited?


The regulations ban the manufacture, import, and sale of the following single-use plastic items:


  • Checkout Bags: Commonly used at retail stores.

  • Cutlery: Includes knives, forks, spoons, sporks, and chopsticks.

  • Foodservice Ware: Items like clamshell containers, cups, plates, and bowls made with problematic plastics.

  • Ring Carriers: Used to hold beverage containers together.

  • Stir Sticks: Designed to mix beverages.

  • Straws: Includes straight and flexible straws, with specific exceptions for accessibility.


Prohibition Timelines


The regulations are being implemented in stages to help industries adapt. Below is a table summarizing the key timelines for the manufacture, sale, and export of prohibited plastics:





Coming into force of the prohibitions


Item

Manufacture and import for sale in Canada

Sale

Manufacture, import and sale for export

Checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware, stir sticks, straws*

December 20, 2022

December 20, 2023

December 20, 2025

Ring carriers

June 20, 2023

June 20, 2024

December 20, 2025

Flexible straws packaged with beverage containers

Not applicable

June 20, 2024

December 20, 2025


Why This Matters


Plastic pollution harms Canada’s rivers, lakes, and oceans, threatening wildlife and generating microplastics that contaminate our environment. By targeting problematic plastics, the SUPPR:


  • Reduces pollution.

  • Promotes the use of sustainable alternatives.

  • Aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.


Guidance for Businesses and Consumers


To ensure compliance, the Government has released resources, including technical guidelines and fact sheets. These documents provide information on selecting alternatives to banned plastics and understanding the regulations in greater detail.


Stay Updated


With ongoing legal proceedings and implementation timelines, staying informed about the Canada single-use plastic ban is essential. Bookmark this page for updates, including the latest timelines and guidance for transitioning to sustainable alternatives.

For detailed information, visit the Government of Canada’s official website.

By embracing these changes, Canada is making significant strides toward a cleaner, greener future. Let’s work together to achieve zero plastic waste by 2030!

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