{"id":33015,"date":"2024-02-16T09:40:44","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T14:40:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gfs.ca\/?p=33015"},"modified":"2025-12-23T11:17:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T16:17:58","slug":"navigating-canadas-nationwide-single-use-plastic-ban","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gfs.ca\/en-ca\/ideas\/navigating-canadas-nationwide-single-use-plastic-ban\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating Canada\u2019s Nationwide Single-Use Plastic Ban"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Now that legislation has kicked in prohibiting single-use plastics in Canada, is this the last straw for plastic straws? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The short answer\u2026 yes. In fact, depending on the type of material used, it\u2019s the last straw for certain utensils, cups, bowls, takeout containers, bags and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s part of an attempt to stem pollution and eliminate plastic waste in Canada by 2030. The foodservice industry is especially affected, and you should be aware of what these changes mean for your business, including alternative materials you can use instead of single-use plastics.
The law has been rolling out in stages<\/a>, with the full set of regulations taking effect on Dec. 20, 2023. Knowing this, some provinces and municipalities launched limits ahead of schedule. Federal law now extends the single-use plastics ban nationwide, meaning parts of Canada with no previous limits are now covered. At a minimum, the federal government can fine businesses using forbidden products $400 to $2,000 for a first violation and $500 to $4,000 for continued violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why is a Single-Use Plastic Ban necessary?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For newcomers, the rules may be confusing. Yes, most of the plastic products you\u2019ve been using have a numeral and a triangular recycling logo. So why is there a new law?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though products are marked as recyclable, compostable or biodegradable, they must be processed at a facility designed to handle them. Right now, there are only 328 such facilities nationwide, which means many products end up in landfills or, worse, pollute the environment for years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoiding the hefty fines for infractions is critical. It requires awareness about which products are off-limits. You\u2019ll also want to know the best materials available to continue operating practically and profitably. That\u2019s where your Gordon Food Service team can help  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen there is such a push for environmentally friendly products in foodservice, it is great to have products that make it easy for end users to dispose of the product appropriately and join in on the process,\u201d said Andrew Kiel, a North American Non-Foods Category Specialist at Gordon Food Service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Single-Use Plastics Are Affected?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The federal law enacted in late December 2023 targets a handful of plastics used across many parts of the foodservice business, particularly quick-serve and take-home foods. The federal laws cover everyone, and some provinces and municipalities have additional rules and exceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check with your local or provincial government offices to avoid a mistake regarding single-use plastics not covered by the new federal law. Here are areas of your business and types of plastic banned under federal law:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Plastic Cutlery and Utensils.<\/strong> Items that cannot go through the dish machine 100 or more times without losing shape are prohibited. Included are forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks, etc. made using these materials:<\/p>\n\n\n\n