Reducing the use of single-use plastics

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Consultation has concluded. 


Single-use plastics, or disposable plastics, are normally used only once before they are discarded. These are items like plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, coffee pods, and take out and retail food packaging.

The small and lightweight nature of many SUPs and the methods by which they are used as an "on the go" convenience means they can often are often difficult or impossible to recycle and can often end up as litter within our environment and waste in our landfills. The presence of SUPs in our environment poses significant risks to wildlife, especially in aquatic environments and is unsightly. Plastics are also derived from petroleum and the use of plastics contributes, albeit in a small way, to our collective carbon footprint.

Council has directed staff to report to the City's Environment, Infrastructure & Transportation Policies Committee regarding the current status of single use plastics management in Kingston, and options for local action to reduce litter and waste created by the use and disposal of SUPs. Ideas shared on Get Involved will be shared with Committee and Council for consideration.



Single-use plastics, or disposable plastics, are normally used only once before they are discarded. These are items like plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, coffee pods, and take out and retail food packaging.

The small and lightweight nature of many SUPs and the methods by which they are used as an "on the go" convenience means they can often are often difficult or impossible to recycle and can often end up as litter within our environment and waste in our landfills. The presence of SUPs in our environment poses significant risks to wildlife, especially in aquatic environments and is unsightly. Plastics are also derived from petroleum and the use of plastics contributes, albeit in a small way, to our collective carbon footprint.

Council has directed staff to report to the City's Environment, Infrastructure & Transportation Policies Committee regarding the current status of single use plastics management in Kingston, and options for local action to reduce litter and waste created by the use and disposal of SUPs. Ideas shared on Get Involved will be shared with Committee and Council for consideration.