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City of Edmonton data shows a marked reduction in disposable waste following a controversial rule enacted in July 2023.
The single-use item reduction bylaw banned Styrofoam plates, cups and containers, as well as plastic shopping bags. The bylaw also regulated the use of takeout bags.
Consumers who need a bag now pay 25 cents for a paper bag, $2 for a reusable one or they can bring their own.
The city’s administration presented figures relating to disposable waste in Edmonton to city council on Monday. The data was based on two yearlong waste sample studies — one conducted before the bylaw took effect and the other being an ongoing study wrapping up this month.
Per person, retail bag use plummeted by 79 per cent while straw and utensil consumption decreased by 26 per cent.
But takeout container usage shot up by more than 80 per cent, with cup use up five per cent.
The report blames the increases on a lack of regulation, habits and a population increase of 12 per cent.
On Tuesday, Ward O-day’min Coun. Anne Stevenson lauded the progress made so far while laying out next steps to tackle the increased use of takeout cups.
Single-use coffee containers are shown. (David Donnelly/CBC)
She said city staff want to start with education and incentives, but could also explore adding a small fee for disposable cups.
“When I see the results that we’ve seen on the bag usage though, the evidence to me seems to suggest that putting a price incentive on those single-use items has a dramatic impact on usage,” Stevenson said.
Mayor Andrew Knack said the data speaks for itself.
“The data shows we are seeing significant amount of reduction of single-use items from our landfills, which is great for the environment, but it’s also great for the financials of the city because that means you’re not creating more landfills. That’s a very costly endeavour,” he said.