Toronto slashes single-use waste by third

Written By Peter Allan

Erika Reyes, president of the zero-waste takeout app Inwit, supplies Toronto restaurants with reusable containers and says such programs are key to the city’s goal of cutting single-use waste. File Photo by: Abdul Matin Sarfraz/Canada’s National Observer

By Abdul Matin Sarfraz

Toronto says a city bylaw introduced last year is already making a dramatic difference, cutting disposable items such as cups, bags and utensils, by 32 per cent.

Now, the city wants to go further by expanding its Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy and Bylaw to large events, sports venues and restaurants that still rely on throwaway containers for dine-in service. Under the next phase, these businesses could be required to use reusable dishware.

Since March of last year, all restaurants, coffee shops and stores must accept a customer’s clean reusable cup or bag. Businesses can only hand out paper bags or single-use items when customers ask for them. Paper bags must meet the city’s waste standards and cannot have plastic handles or metal parts.

Experts say city-level rules, such as Toronto's, are essential, especially with the province eliminating some recycling programs. Calvin Lakhan, a professor and co-investigator of the Waste Wiki project at York University, said the city is filling a gap left by the province.

“With the provincial government rolling back some producer responsibility and recycling frameworks, cities are now on the front lines of waste reduction efforts,” Lakhan said.

“A 32 per cent reduction is a clear indicator that this direct-intervention approach works,” Lakhan said. “It sets a new norm and demonstrates a commitment to circular economy principles from the ground up, proving that progress is possible even without robust senior-level government support.”

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Peter Allan
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