By the end of 2021, the federal government plans to implement a core pledge to ban single-use plastics in Ottawa.
Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson revealed the proposal to ban single-use plastics, saying that we are living in exceptional times. The minister listed six single-use plastic items that the governments believe are toxic to the environment. The items, which include six-pack rings, plastic straws, Styrofoam plates, cutlery, stir sticks, and takeout containers are to be banned by 2021.
However, this has raised fears about what the future holds for Ottawa if this ban is fully implemented. This is particularly alarming for Alberta, which outlined a plan recently to be one of the key plastic recyclers.
In a media briefing, Wilkinson gave details of the proposal saying that the ban would be implemented by the end of next year. Initially, the government had promised to implement the ban before the launch of the campaign season last year.
Additionally, he also indicated that the government took into account the worldwide health crisis of the coronavirus pandemic and has led to the increase in the use of these plastics. This is because they are readily available and are inexpensive alternatives.
With that said, Wilkinson also claims that only about 9% of the plastics used in Canada are recycled each year. While these plastics materials can still be useful, those that are previously utilized must be subjected to reuse and recycling.