British Columbia’s Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation
The BC Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation provides a framework to phase out certain single-use plastic items, as well as address waste and pollution in BC. This initiative is intended to complement the federal government’s Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulation.
This regulation in British Columbia affects ONLY EcoSafe certified compostable cling film wrap and compostable checkout bags.
In British Columbia, as of December 20, 2023, compostable film wrap can be sold via the below regulations. This is the how the BC regulation currently reads:
Food Service Providers, the banned materials and exemptions are as follows:
Banned Materials: Cups, bowls, plates, and film wrap made from PVC, PVDC, polystyrene foam, compostable plastics, and biodegradable plastics are prohibited.
Exemptions: Packaging made from paper and plant fiber lined with compostable plastic and food/beverage items intended for export are exempt.
For Business Operators, the banned materials and exemptions are as follows:
Banned Materials: Cups, bowls, plates, and film wrap made from PVC, PVDC, polystyrene foam, and biodegradable plastic are prohibited (compostable plastic is not included).
Exemptions: Food service ware sold for export and within BC for export purposes.
Federally, EcoSafe’s certified compostable cling film wrap can be sold commercially to food service providers and business operators in ALL other provinces. The only EcoSafe product banned by the federal government across Canada is the compostable checkout bag.
Further clarification is being sought from the province at this time as we are not clear on what is meant by “food service provider” and “business owner.” Often these are the same person. Stay tuned for more updates!
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Update: We have received clarification from the governement on when compostable cling film can be used in B.C.
Compostable film wrap can be sold and used:
- for food that is not for immediate consumption (e.g. raw meat, a block of cheese)
- for food preparation/back of house
- for home use
- outside of B.C.
Compostable film wrap cannot be used to distribute and sell food or drinks that are prepared (i.e. for takeout, delivery, immediate consumption).
Food loss and waste occur at each stage of the supply chain. The biggest proportion (about 37%) happens in the home.
ReFED, 2021