When was the By-law prohibiting the distribution of certain plastic shopping bags adopted by the Council?

By-law BEAC-129 was adopted during the regular Council meeting of October 22, 2019.

 

When will it take effect?

The prohibition regarding the distribution of plastic bags described above will take effect on January 1, 2021.

 

Why ban certain plastic shopping bags?

Plastic bags are harmful to the environment because their production requires petroleum products and large amounts of water, and generates greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Moreover, they have significant impact on wildlife and plants in addition to being a visual nuisance.They can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, which is a serious environmental problem.

 

 

 

Which types of bags are prohibited by the new by-law?

This prohibition specifically targets traditional plastic shopping bags less than 50 microns thick, as well as oxo-degradable, oxo-fragmentable, or biodegradable plastic bags, regardless of their thickness.

Which types of bags are allowed by the new by-law?

• Plastic bags used for fruits and vegetables to transport or protect them for hygienic purposes.
• Reusable bags
• Paper bags
• Products already packaged by an industrial process
• Bags used by businesses which are not retail stores (dry cleaner, door-to-door distribution, restaurants, etc.) 

 

Why is Beaconsfield joining the movement now?

Aware of the importance of protecting the environment, the City of Beaconsfield has always been proactive in the fight against climate change. This by-law is in line with the actions taken by the City to implement the three action plans of the i3p project.

 

The City wishes to play a positive role and wants to motivate its residents to adopt a more sustainable behaviour towards the use of these types of bags.

 

Will the City support retailers in implementing the by-law?

The City of Beaconsfield has contacted all of the retailers affected by this new by-law. We provide them with this web page as a resource when needed, as well as a poster to notify their customers of this change.

 

We also invite them to:

• Encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags
• Sell reusable bags
• Offer paper bags or boxes
• Use bags that comply with the by-law only when they are absolutely necessary
• Reuse boxes from deliveries and orders
  

 

The City will also inform residents of this new by-law through its communication tools. 

 

As a resident, how can I do my part?

• Don't forget your reusable bags
• Use containers, for example boxes or bins
• Recycle or reuse the bags you already have
• Use reusable bags for the purchase of your vegetables and fruits

 

Does the by-law provide for sanctions against retailers who fail to comply?

Yes, retailers that do not comply with this new regulation will receive a fine, according to the by-law as follows:

• $200 plus costs if the offender is a natural person
• $400 plus costs if the offender is a legal person

 

For a second offence:

• $400  plus costs if the offender is a natural person
• $600 plus costs if the offender is a legal person

 

Who is primarily affected by this by-law?

Retailers: an establishment whose main activity is the sale of merchandise at the retail level. It includes grocery stores, pharmacies, clothing or shoe stores, etc.

 

Restaurants are not targeted by this by-law.