Single-use items reduction strategy: phase two now in effect

Shopping sustainably in Guelph just got easier! On March 1, 2025, changes to Guelph’s Single-Use Items By-law (2024) – 20938 came into effect. When visiting applicable businesses and retailers in Guelph, you should be aware of the following: You can bring a clean reusable drink cup for in-store beverage orders. Single-use accessory food ware items will only be available by request or at self-serve stations (e.g., beverage cup sleeves and trays, condiments, utensils, and stir sticks; straws are exempt). Paper shopping bags must contain 40% post-consumer recycled content. These changes are part of Phase 2 of Guelph’s Single-Use Items Reduction Strategy, which is included in the Solid Waste Management Master Plan (SWMMP). During the development of Phase 2, the City consulted with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health… Continue reading Single-use items reduction strategy: phase two now in effect

City of Guelph asks businesses to support waste reduction strategy

In 2022, Guelph Council approved a single-use items bylaw that banned plastic shopping bags and polystyrene foam containers and cups. At that time, Council also asked us to collect feedback from the community about paying fees for disposable cups and reusable bags. We appreciated the community feedback and having heard that some community members supported paying fees, we’re focusing on changes businesses and customers can make to reduce the amount of single-use item waste they generate. We’re asking local food-service businesses to provide feedback on how they can support our waste reduction strategy. Specifically, how easy, or difficult it would be for businesses to: accept a customer’s clean reusable cup and container, offer in-restaurant dishware for dine-in drinks and food, offer foodware accessories (e.g.,… Continue reading City of Guelph asks businesses to support waste reduction strategy

This entry was posted in Business, City Hall, Environment, Garbage and recycling and tagged Solid Waste Management Master Plan, waste reduction on February 5, 2024.