Town of Banff - Single-Use Items Reduction Bylaw 468
Banff Town Council passed a bylaw in February 2023, as part of a town-wide strategy to reduce the consumer use of items like plastic shopping bags, disposable cutlery and coffee cups that are used once, then sent to landfill.
Unlike other jurisdictions, the Single-use Item Reduction Bylaw does not target just plastics but is designed to help the community reduce all service items that are quickly discarded.
Effective July 1, 2023, the bylaw requires businesses to serve food and beverages without disposable accessories like plastic straws and pre-packaged condiments. Customers must request these items.
Also, starting July 1, businesses and event organizers serving food or beverages must accommodate customers who ask to be served using reusable items that customers bring with them.
Effective January 1, 2024, plastic shopping bags are banned. and dine-in food and beverages must be served in reusables.
The Town will also explore additional support programs in 2023 to incentivize businesses to comply with bylaw requirements and reward additional leadership actions.
How Does Bylaw 468 Affect Me?
Remember those reusable items!
As we try to reduce our dependence on single-use items, we know it’s not our will to change that’s the issue—we want to do the right thing. Instead, the true challenge is just remembering to grab our reusable items as we walk out the door.
Here are a few tips to help you remember!:
The most basic way to remember your reusable bag is to keep them in your car, saddle bag or handbag. After you unload your groceries, return them ready for the next time you go out.
Can’t remember to return those reusable bags to your favourite mode of transportation? It’s simple, hang them on the door so they are the last thing you see when you walk out the door.
Use a cup or bag that you love, and make it a habit to grab your reusable items as soon as you grab your keys and wallet. Over time, this will become second nature, and you'll be more likely to remember them consistently.
Remind yourself by using technology. Set your favourite smart device to remind you before you usually leave the house.
Not so keen on the latest technology? Put “Bags”, "Coffee Cup" and "Water Bottle" at the top of every shopping list.
Bow Valley Isn't Disposable
Do you want to do more? Check out our new Bow Valley Isn't Disposable webpage to access some great resources on reducing waste and promoting a circular economy!
Didn't Avoid that Beverage Container?
Don't just recycle it; donate it! We've partnered with SkipTheDepot. Download the app, book a pickup, place your bags and donate your refund directly to the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley. No hassle waste recycling straight to your door!
What's going on?
Swap-o-rama!
Drop off anyone and everyone's clean, gently loved clothing, shoes, and accessories at the Canmore Public Library between March 27th - March 31st.
The swap will take place on:
March 31, 5pm - 7pm: early entry for clothing donors with tickets.
April 1, 10am - 2pm: general public admission.
Bear Day is back!
Alberta Parks and WildSmart are hosting Bear Day at Canmore Nordic Centre to coincide with bears' emergence from their winter dens. This event celebrates and welcomes bears back on the landscape and is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Kananaskis Country's grizzly bears and Wildlife safety. Mark Saturday, April 22nd, on your calendars!
Springtime Market at the Bow Valley Garden Centre
Check out the awesome local talent at the Springtime Market happening at the Bow Valley Garden Centre on March 25th and 26th from 10-4 both days.
Earth Talks Speaker Series - Our Plate and the Planet
An hour of delicious discussion highlighting the power of our plates and how what we choose to fill them with can impact not only our personal health but the health of the planet as well. At this Earth Talks presentation, Dawn will offer an eye-opening and delicious introduction to the many benefits of a whole foods plant-based lifestyle for human and planetary health. Join us on March 20, at 7 pm! >> Register now