OTTAWA — It's the end of days for plastic grocery bags and Styrofoam takeout containers in Canada.
The federal government is publishing the draft regulations that will ban the manufacture, import, and sale of six single-use plastic items that are difficult to recycle and have more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Plastic stir sticks, cutlery, six-pack rings, bags, and Styrofoam takeout containers will be eliminated entirely.
Some plastic straws will be allowed to accommodate people with disabilities and others who need them for medical reasons.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said more than 18 months ago that some harmful single-use plastics would be eliminated by this year, but the pandemic delayed an assessment on which ones to target.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says the process for the draft and final regulations should allow the ban to take effect by the end of next year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 21, 2021.
Mia Rabson, The Canadian Press
