Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw

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Consultation has concluded

The City of Chilliwack is taking action to reduce single-use items in our community. Single-use items have become increasingly common in our day-to-day lives and result in an overwhelming amount of litter, environmental harm, and waste to landfill. Consultation undertaken in 2019, 2020, and 2021 found high levels of support for actions aimed at reducing single-use items in Chilliwack and informed the Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy approved by Council in December 2020, and updated in September 2021.

As part of the Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy, the City’s comprehensive Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw will target the items below, from April 1, 2022.

Item

Reduction Measures in Bylaw

Shopping Bags

Plastic

Ban

Paper

Minimum fee ($0.15 in 2022, increasing to $0.25 in 2023)

ReusableMinimum fee ($1 in 2022, increasing to $2 in 2023)

Beverage Cups

Plastic

Not included in bylaw at this time due to lack of provincial legislation; reduce through education

Paper

Not included in bylaw at this time due to lack of provincial legislation; reduce through education

Foam

Ban

Take-Out Containers

Plastic

Not included in bylaw due to public health restrictions; reduce through education

Paperboard

Not included in bylaw due to public health restrictions; reduce through education

Foam

Ban

Straws

Plastic

Ban; unless requested for accessibility needs

Paper

By request only

Disposable Utensils

Plastic

Ban

Other (e.g. wood)

By request only


The Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw was adopted by Council on September 21, 2021. We are now providing education in the lead up to the implementation of the bylaw on April 1, 2022. Educational posters and detailed FAQs aimed at helping businesses comply with the bylaw are available on the City's Single Use Item Reduction Strategy Webpage.

Single-Use Items and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw will take effect on April 1, 2022, followed by increases to some fees on January 1, 2023. However, the City will continue monitoring the response measures to the pandemic, including Provincial Health Orders that may restrict or prevent the use of reusable alternatives to single-use items. Should the need arise, the City will amend the timelines in the bylaw closer to the implementation date.

The City of Chilliwack is taking action to reduce single-use items in our community. Single-use items have become increasingly common in our day-to-day lives and result in an overwhelming amount of litter, environmental harm, and waste to landfill. Consultation undertaken in 2019, 2020, and 2021 found high levels of support for actions aimed at reducing single-use items in Chilliwack and informed the Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy approved by Council in December 2020, and updated in September 2021.

As part of the Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy, the City’s comprehensive Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw will target the items below, from April 1, 2022.

Item

Reduction Measures in Bylaw

Shopping Bags

Plastic

Ban

Paper

Minimum fee ($0.15 in 2022, increasing to $0.25 in 2023)

ReusableMinimum fee ($1 in 2022, increasing to $2 in 2023)

Beverage Cups

Plastic

Not included in bylaw at this time due to lack of provincial legislation; reduce through education

Paper

Not included in bylaw at this time due to lack of provincial legislation; reduce through education

Foam

Ban

Take-Out Containers

Plastic

Not included in bylaw due to public health restrictions; reduce through education

Paperboard

Not included in bylaw due to public health restrictions; reduce through education

Foam

Ban

Straws

Plastic

Ban; unless requested for accessibility needs

Paper

By request only

Disposable Utensils

Plastic

Ban

Other (e.g. wood)

By request only


The Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw was adopted by Council on September 21, 2021. We are now providing education in the lead up to the implementation of the bylaw on April 1, 2022. Educational posters and detailed FAQs aimed at helping businesses comply with the bylaw are available on the City's Single Use Item Reduction Strategy Webpage.

Single-Use Items and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw will take effect on April 1, 2022, followed by increases to some fees on January 1, 2023. However, the City will continue monitoring the response measures to the pandemic, including Provincial Health Orders that may restrict or prevent the use of reusable alternatives to single-use items. Should the need arise, the City will amend the timelines in the bylaw closer to the implementation date.

Consultation has concluded

Do you have questions about the Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw? Ask us below!

  • Share What happens to the 15c take out bag charge ? on Facebook Share What happens to the 15c take out bag charge ? on Twitter Share What happens to the 15c take out bag charge ? on Linkedin Email What happens to the 15c take out bag charge ? link

    What happens to the 15c take out bag charge ?

    Brcanuck asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. The businesses retain the bag fees.  A provincial regulation stipulates the minimum fees to be charged for bags, and prohibits municipalities from collecting the fees.

  • Share Seeing these new bylaws in effect seems to make drive-thru services extremely inefficient and challenging. Was thought given to how this bylaw would impact take-out for both meal delivery and drive-thru scenarios? I hear stories of people trying to pass through food on trays at windows so people can take food one item at a time rather than using bags and this seems really impractical. I'm curious to better understand what the realistic plan was for this - did you just expect everyone to have to pay that new bag surcharge for these services going forward? on Facebook Share Seeing these new bylaws in effect seems to make drive-thru services extremely inefficient and challenging. Was thought given to how this bylaw would impact take-out for both meal delivery and drive-thru scenarios? I hear stories of people trying to pass through food on trays at windows so people can take food one item at a time rather than using bags and this seems really impractical. I'm curious to better understand what the realistic plan was for this - did you just expect everyone to have to pay that new bag surcharge for these services going forward? on Twitter Share Seeing these new bylaws in effect seems to make drive-thru services extremely inefficient and challenging. Was thought given to how this bylaw would impact take-out for both meal delivery and drive-thru scenarios? I hear stories of people trying to pass through food on trays at windows so people can take food one item at a time rather than using bags and this seems really impractical. I'm curious to better understand what the realistic plan was for this - did you just expect everyone to have to pay that new bag surcharge for these services going forward? on Linkedin Email Seeing these new bylaws in effect seems to make drive-thru services extremely inefficient and challenging. Was thought given to how this bylaw would impact take-out for both meal delivery and drive-thru scenarios? I hear stories of people trying to pass through food on trays at windows so people can take food one item at a time rather than using bags and this seems really impractical. I'm curious to better understand what the realistic plan was for this - did you just expect everyone to have to pay that new bag surcharge for these services going forward? link

    Seeing these new bylaws in effect seems to make drive-thru services extremely inefficient and challenging. Was thought given to how this bylaw would impact take-out for both meal delivery and drive-thru scenarios? I hear stories of people trying to pass through food on trays at windows so people can take food one item at a time rather than using bags and this seems really impractical. I'm curious to better understand what the realistic plan was for this - did you just expect everyone to have to pay that new bag surcharge for these services going forward?

    Sihgneg asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question! As a significant source of single-use items, and associated litter, much thought was given to take-out and fast food operations, as it has been in other communities with similar bylaws. The intent of the bylaw is to discourage patrons of these businesses from using single-use items, such as paper bags, in favour of reusable alternatives through bans and minimum fees.    

  • Share Does the paper bag charge apply to fast food bags on Facebook Share Does the paper bag charge apply to fast food bags on Twitter Share Does the paper bag charge apply to fast food bags on Linkedin Email Does the paper bag charge apply to fast food bags link

    Does the paper bag charge apply to fast food bags

    Lori asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question! Yes, the Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw, including minimum fee requirements, applies to fast food restaurants. 

  • Share I recognize that businesses have a cost in providing (paper) bags for customers. Was the 15¢ (and 25¢ in 2023) fee based on consultation with businesses? Are they making a small profit on the sale of bags... or is it meant to be a break-even price? As a backgrounder: In Vancouver, there's a 25¢ "cup tax" on all disposable cups, which has got to be greater than the actual cost of cups. The businesses do not have to remit any of this to the City; they can just keep it. Btw: I agree with steps to further avoid waste/litter and stress on recycling systems. (Thanks for this forum, as well.) on Facebook Share I recognize that businesses have a cost in providing (paper) bags for customers. Was the 15¢ (and 25¢ in 2023) fee based on consultation with businesses? Are they making a small profit on the sale of bags... or is it meant to be a break-even price? As a backgrounder: In Vancouver, there's a 25¢ "cup tax" on all disposable cups, which has got to be greater than the actual cost of cups. The businesses do not have to remit any of this to the City; they can just keep it. Btw: I agree with steps to further avoid waste/litter and stress on recycling systems. (Thanks for this forum, as well.) on Twitter Share I recognize that businesses have a cost in providing (paper) bags for customers. Was the 15¢ (and 25¢ in 2023) fee based on consultation with businesses? Are they making a small profit on the sale of bags... or is it meant to be a break-even price? As a backgrounder: In Vancouver, there's a 25¢ "cup tax" on all disposable cups, which has got to be greater than the actual cost of cups. The businesses do not have to remit any of this to the City; they can just keep it. Btw: I agree with steps to further avoid waste/litter and stress on recycling systems. (Thanks for this forum, as well.) on Linkedin Email I recognize that businesses have a cost in providing (paper) bags for customers. Was the 15¢ (and 25¢ in 2023) fee based on consultation with businesses? Are they making a small profit on the sale of bags... or is it meant to be a break-even price? As a backgrounder: In Vancouver, there's a 25¢ "cup tax" on all disposable cups, which has got to be greater than the actual cost of cups. The businesses do not have to remit any of this to the City; they can just keep it. Btw: I agree with steps to further avoid waste/litter and stress on recycling systems. (Thanks for this forum, as well.) link

    I recognize that businesses have a cost in providing (paper) bags for customers. Was the 15¢ (and 25¢ in 2023) fee based on consultation with businesses? Are they making a small profit on the sale of bags... or is it meant to be a break-even price? As a backgrounder: In Vancouver, there's a 25¢ "cup tax" on all disposable cups, which has got to be greater than the actual cost of cups. The businesses do not have to remit any of this to the City; they can just keep it. Btw: I agree with steps to further avoid waste/litter and stress on recycling systems. (Thanks for this forum, as well.)

    G. Barry asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question! The minimum fee amounts are prescribed in legislation from the provincial government. In other words, these are the lowest fees that the City could set in its bylaw. However, they are based on consultation in other BC municipalities, such as Vancouver, and are an attempt to strike a balance between covering any additional costs of paper bags over plastic bags, and providing encouragement to a customer to bring their own bag. We have heard from a number of local businesses that the cost of paper bags is higher than the minimum fee of $0.15, so it is not necessarily a source of profit for every business.     

  • Share Where does the fee for grocery bags…coffee cups etc….go. Who gets this fee on Facebook Share Where does the fee for grocery bags…coffee cups etc….go. Who gets this fee on Twitter Share Where does the fee for grocery bags…coffee cups etc….go. Who gets this fee on Linkedin Email Where does the fee for grocery bags…coffee cups etc….go. Who gets this fee link

    Where does the fee for grocery bags…coffee cups etc….go. Who gets this fee

    Cathie asked over 3 years ago

    The fee for paper and reusable shopping bags is retained by the business supplying them. Please note that Chilliwack's bylaw does not regulate single-use beverage cups, other than banning foam cups. So there is no mandated minimum fee for coffee cups. Thank you for your question! 

  • Share Are you able to still use your remaining stock on Facebook Share Are you able to still use your remaining stock on Twitter Share Are you able to still use your remaining stock on Linkedin Email Are you able to still use your remaining stock link

    Are you able to still use your remaining stock

    Will Big daddy asked about 3 years ago

    Yes, you can use up your remaining stock of prohibited single-use items before switching to alternatives. Thank you for your question! 

  • Share Are we still able to dispose of dog waste in plastic bags and diapers on Facebook Share Are we still able to dispose of dog waste in plastic bags and diapers on Twitter Share Are we still able to dispose of dog waste in plastic bags and diapers on Linkedin Email Are we still able to dispose of dog waste in plastic bags and diapers link

    Are we still able to dispose of dog waste in plastic bags and diapers

    Karen asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question! The Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw does not regulate the sale or disposal of bulk packaged single-use items. You will still be able to purchase bulk packaged plastic bags for the disposal of dog waste and diapers, and dispose of these items as you normally would. 

  • Share How are you defining “plastic”. Paper straws are awful. The only paper straws that are tolerable are the ones that have some sort of wax or plastic coating. There are compostable/biodegradable plastic (made from food starch not petroleum material) straws on the market and already in use at some restaurants, like Booster Juice. Will those biodegradable plastic straws, utensils, be permitted. on Facebook Share How are you defining “plastic”. Paper straws are awful. The only paper straws that are tolerable are the ones that have some sort of wax or plastic coating. There are compostable/biodegradable plastic (made from food starch not petroleum material) straws on the market and already in use at some restaurants, like Booster Juice. Will those biodegradable plastic straws, utensils, be permitted. on Twitter Share How are you defining “plastic”. Paper straws are awful. The only paper straws that are tolerable are the ones that have some sort of wax or plastic coating. There are compostable/biodegradable plastic (made from food starch not petroleum material) straws on the market and already in use at some restaurants, like Booster Juice. Will those biodegradable plastic straws, utensils, be permitted. on Linkedin Email How are you defining “plastic”. Paper straws are awful. The only paper straws that are tolerable are the ones that have some sort of wax or plastic coating. There are compostable/biodegradable plastic (made from food starch not petroleum material) straws on the market and already in use at some restaurants, like Booster Juice. Will those biodegradable plastic straws, utensils, be permitted. link

    How are you defining “plastic”. Paper straws are awful. The only paper straws that are tolerable are the ones that have some sort of wax or plastic coating. There are compostable/biodegradable plastic (made from food starch not petroleum material) straws on the market and already in use at some restaurants, like Booster Juice. Will those biodegradable plastic straws, utensils, be permitted.

    Collin Rogers asked about 4 years ago

    Thank you for your question. In the City’s Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw, compostable/biodegradable plastic straws are included in the definition of plastic straws as follows:

    “Single-Use Plastic Beverage Straw” means a tube made wholly or partially from plastic, including biodegradable plastic or compostable plastic, used to transfer a beverage from a container to the mouth of the person drinking the beverage and ordinarily or customarily used for its intended purpose only once before being disposed as Solid Waste.

    Many compostable or biodegradable plastic straws require very specific conditions in order to break down. These conditions may only be met in certain industrial composting operations that reach very high temperatures and/or pressure levels. Consequently, they don’t break down easily when released into the environment as litter and may create just as much harm as regular plastic straws. By including compostable/biodegradable plastic straws in the City’s ban on plastic straws, we hope to reduce litter and mitigate the environmental harm caused by these items. Similarly, compostable/biodegradable plastic utensils are also included in the City’s ban on plastic utensils.