Update: Single-Use Items Bylaw Repealed

On May 7, 2024, Calgary City Council voted to repeal the Single-Use Items Charter Bylaw (1H2023). Effective immediately, as part of a bylaw, businesses will no longer be required to charge a minimum fee for new paper and reusable shopping bags or provide shopping bags and foodware accessories by request only.

While the bylaw is no longer in effect, businesses can voluntarily continue with waste reduction practices that best fit with their operations. Calgarians can expect that some businesses may continue to apply a fee to shopping bags, or ask if they require any foodware accessories before providing them.

Council’s vote only impacts The City of Calgary bylaw. The Government of Canada’s Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations still applies, which impacts business use of plastic single-use items such a shopping bags, cutlery and straws.