Reducing the use of single-use plastics
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.
-
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
Have you recently reduced your use of single-use plastics? Tell us what you did, or plan to do, in order to reduce the amount of SUP that you use.
View All Ideasover 2 years ago
Ban These Ridiculous "Green" Proposals
Ban plastic straws? Sounds nice, until one considers that some people with mobility and swallowing difficulties find them indispensable tools. And, what next? Shall we ban any tampons that use plastic? They're single-use, too! Tax it? That's adding more useless bureaucracy, when one considers that Kingston does a rotten job cleaning up garbage strewn into the streets, sidewalks, and pathways. Garbage that isn't being collected and plastic recyclables that are rejected by KARC make Kingston look like a mess. Before banning, taxing, and restricting single-use plastics in the City, people should do their best to reduce their use of plastics, re-use plastic, and make a real effort to recycle plastics. KARC needs to stop whining about how they can't sell some plastic for recycling. If KARC says they cannot sell it, they're ignoring technology that can turn plastic waste into fuel. Before passing another bylaw to ban plastic straws, how about banning the sale and use of cat litter? And, disposable diapers? There's far more unhealthy waste produced by pet cats and babies, (those not using cloth diapers), than is generated by plastic straws. This City needs more litter boxes, better garbage collection, and some actual law enforcement against littering. Last September, City staff went thru the University district to educate residents about garbage, green bins, and recycling; but, would anyone really think that effort was successful? There's a reason why it has been called a ghetto!
over 2 years ago
The onus should not be on citizens restaurant and grocery industries needs to change fundamentally for consumers to have options they’ll use
over 2 years ago
Buying fresh food and cooking at home as much as possible... So many pre-packaged Foods have so much single-use plastic. Like many others I
over 2 years ago
Make it mandatory that grocery stores have sign at entrance "Did you forget your green bag"
over 2 years ago
Ban on single use plastic
We have a responsibility as a community to reduce our plastic use and as such we need to begin taking measures. A ban on single use plastics can make a significant difference - plastic bags, plastic packaging, plastic straws, plastic take out containers. As a first world country we have the technology and knowledge to make these changes. We have to stop making excuses and choosing the easy, convenient way.
Signup Banner
Who's listening
-
Environment director
Phone 613-546-4291 ext 1226 Email pmaclatchy@cityofkingston.ca -
Director, solid waste
Phone 613-546-4291 ext 2701 Email hroberts@cityofkingston.ca
