Zero Waste

Will plastic bags be banned in Vancouver?

Although local politicians say that BC cities do not have the authority to ban plastic shopping bag, most British Columbian’s think it is a good idea based on a recent Angus Reid Public Opinion Poll, 58% of respondents across Canada say they support the ban while 39% are opposed.  Even diverse country’s such as Bangladesh and Rwanda have banned plastic bags.  So what’s the hold up?

Some people argue that if the ban goes through, jobs will be lost in BC due to the production facilities such as Polycan in Abbotsford, B.C and that banning plastics will only divert 1% of waste sent to the landfill however, the ban of plastic bags to retailers is only one part of the percentage of plastic bags going into our landfill.

What about garbage bags, custom made plastic bags, food bags and other soft plastics derived from packaging?  What can be done in the mean time to remove those bags from the landfill?  Recycle them!

WCS recycling has a collection and diversion system for soft plastics which include plastic shopping bags.  Interested in setting up a recycling program for your office, check out our website for more details and give us a call to set up your recovery program. www.wcsrecycling.com

Recover today Reuse tomorrow.

Article sources :

Vancouver Sun – June 13, 2012
Most British Columbians want plastic bags banned – poll

CBC News June 7, 2012

Plastic bag ban not possible for B.C. cities