Reducing Single-Use & Takeaway Items

The Update on Stage 2 of the Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy, including amendments to the Single-Use and Takeaway Items Bylaw, was approved by Toronto City Council on May 23, 2024.

 

The City is taking further steps to reduce waste from single-use and takeaway items. On May 23, 2024, City Council adopted the Updated on Stage 2 of the Single-use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy, including amendments to Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 702, Single-Use and Takeaway Items (the Single-Use and Takeaway Items Bylaw) which took effect March 1, 2024.

Under the bylaw a retail business establishment is required to:

  • Ask-First/By-Request
    • Prior to distributing a single-use accessory food item, either (i) ask a customer if they need the item, (ii) have a customer request the item, or (iii) make the item available to customers in a self-serve station.
    • Prior to distributing a single-use paper shopping bag, either (i) ask a customer if they need the bag or (ii) have a customer request the bag.
  • Accepting the use of Reusable Items
    • Accept the use of reusable shopping bags and beverage cups by customers.
  • Compatibility
    • Only distribute single-use paper shopping bags to their customers that are compatible with the City’s waste diversion programs.

On May 23, 2024, City Council updated the Single-Use and Takeaway Items Bylaw as follows:

Effective May 25, 2024

  • Delivery Exemption for Single-Use Paper Shopping Bag Ask-First/By-Request
    • Retail business establishments are not required to Ask-First/By-Request their customers if they want a single-use paper shopping bag if their purchase is being delivered by the business or a third-party delivery service.
  • Beverage Cup Definition Clarification
    • Definition of “beverage cup” was amended to clarify that a cup may also include a lid.

Effective September 1, 2024

  • Post Acceptance of Reusable Beverage Cup Notice
    • Retail business establishments that sell or provide beverages in single-use beverage cups are required to post signage that they accept reusable beverage cups.

Effective January 1, 2025

  • Restricted Events Required to Ask-First/By-Request
    • Retail business establishments located at restricted events will be required to either (i) ask a customer if they need the item, (ii) have a customer request the item, or (iii) make the item available to customers in a self-serve station before providing single-use accessory food items and single-use paper shopping bags.

The City is committed to helping retail business establishments comply with the bylaw through targeted education and outreach activities.

Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy and Bylaw

Learn about the initiatives the City has implemented to reduce single-use and takeaway items including the bylaw that took effect on March 1, 2024.

Ways to Reduce Single-Use

Learn why it's important and simple ways to reduce single-use and takeaway items.

Resources for Businesses Reducing Single-Use and Takeaway Items

Find resources to help transition away from single-use and takeaway items to reusable alternatives, including small signs and posters to display in your business.

Directory of Businesses Reducing Single-Use and Takeaway Items

A directory for residents to find businesses that are taking action to reduce single-use and takeaway items within their operations.

Directory of Service Providers for Businesses Reducing Single-Use and Takeaway Items

A directory for businesses to find service providers that can help them reduce their use of single-use and takeaway items.

Case Studies

Find examples of small businesses or organizations in Toronto that have successfully reduced their use of single-use items or helped businesses replace these items with reusable alternatives.