An easy-to-understand summary of the Montreal plastic ban.
In the year since its implementation, the Montreal plastic ban has seen major success. With few fines and a high compliance rate, Montreal will continue with its strict measures, making improvements as they work toward their goal of a zero-waste city by 2030.
In this article:
- The Montreal Plastic Ban Overview
- What types of single-use plastics are banned in Montreal?
- Fines and Expectations
- Montreal Plastic Ban Compliant Products
Montreal Plastic Ban Overview
Enacted in March 2023, the Montreal plastic ban targets a wide range of products, including common culprits like plastic utensils, straws, and stir sticks, and extends to items made from polystyrene and bioplastics.
A year into this project, Montreal’s efforts have seen remarkable success, with the majority of businesses complying with the new regulations. This success is a testament to the city’s multi-pronged approach, which combines a system of fines for non-compliance with a dedicated focus on promoting readily available and cost-effective alternatives.
Montreal is setting a compelling example with its plastic ban, demonstrating how decisive action against plastic pollution can yield significant, positive environmental results.
Related: The Canada Plastic Ban Breakdown
What types of single-use plastics are banned in Montreal?
Prohibited Single-Use Items (Compostable or Not)
Montreal’s single-use plastic ban encompasses several common items, including their compostable variants. All plastic variants of these items are banned:
- Utensils for On-Site Consumption: Forks, knives, spoons used for on-site consumption are banned. Alternative options include silverware or single-use wood and bamboo utensils.
- Stir Sticks: Plastic stir sticks are prohibited and can be replaced with wooden stirrers.
- Straws: Plastic drinking straws, a common pollutant, are banned and should be replaced with paper straws.
- Cups: Single-use plastic cups are prohibited, with paper cup solutions preferred.
Prohibited Polystyrene and Compostable Plastic Single-Use Items (PLA & PHA)
In addition to the above, the Montreal plastic ban extends to include items made from polystyrene (a type of plastic foam) and compostable plastics, such as PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydoxyalkanoates):
- Trays: This includes serving trays and similar items, unless used for packaging raw meat and fish. Alternatives include bamboo, wood, and paper trays.
- Utensils (for Takeout and Delivery): Plastic utensils for takeout and delivery can not be made from polystyrene or compostable plastic. Ideal alternatives are highly recyclable plastic (PET), wood, and bamboo utensils.
- Containers: Takeout containers made from bioplastics or foam are banned. Replacements include highly recyclable plastics (such as PET), plastic-lined paper, and bagasse.
- Plates: Includes plates made from polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and compostable plastics. Plates made from paper, bagasse, and highly recyclable plastic are ideal alternatives.
- Lids: Lids for containers and cups should ideally be made from PET, bagasse, or paper. Lids cannot be made from polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or bioplastics.
Exceptions to the Montreal Plastic Ban
While the ban is extensive, certain exceptions are acknowledged:
- Plastic-Coated Paper Products: Plastic linings, whether compostable or not, for paper cups and containers are allowed.
- Pre-Packaged Food: Food pre-packaged from outside the establishment are not subject to the ban, addressing concerns related to product safety and hygiene.
- Trays for Raw Meat and Fish: Foam trays used to package raw meat and fish are allowed at this time.
- Non-Profit Food Aid Organizations: Recognizing the crucial role of food assistance programs, plastic items used by non-profit organizations for food aid are exempt from the ban.
- Home Delivery Services: Establishments that are not open to the public and only offer home delivery services (such as catering or direct delivery from a warehouse) will not be subject to the ban.
Related: The BC Plastic Ban Breakdown
Fines and Expectations
Montreal’s approach to enforcing its single-use plastic ban is predicated on both ensuring compliance and fostering a collaborative effort toward sustainability. The city has outlined clear expectations for businesses and consumers alike, alongside a structured system of fines for non-compliance.
Expectations
The city expects full cooperation from both business owners and residents in adhering to the plastic ban. Businesses are required to transition away from the prohibited single-use plastic items, opting instead for more sustainable alternatives. Consumers are also encouraged to support this initiative by making conscious choices, such as using reusable items whenever possible.
Montreal officials state that they are operating on a “no excuse” mentality. The ban is strict and not complying is not an option, whether a business is a mom and pop shop or a national quick service restaurant chain.
Fines
To enforce the ban effectively, Montreal has implemented a system of fines for businesses that do not comply with the regulations. The specifics of these fines vary, based on the nature and frequency of the violation.
Inspectors visit different establishments to see if the prohibited items are still in use. If a business is caught offering the banned products, inspectors will issue a warning. If, during their follow-up visit, the business still does not comply, they will be fined between $400 and $4,000.
The Montreal Plastic Ban Success
A year since its launch, the results of the Montreal plastic ban speak volumes about the community’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
High Compliance and Minimal Penalties
With a commendable compliance rate of 92%, Montreal’s strategy seems to be on the right track. The city issued fewer than 40 tickets following a second round of inspections, emphasizing that the shift in behaviour may not solely be attributed to the threat of fines.
Toward a Zero-Waste Future
Montreal’s single-use plastic ban is just one step in a larger plan to achieve a zero-waste city by 2030. This goal aligns with the pressing need to find alternatives for the city’s waste management, as the Lachenaie landfill in Terrebonne, Quebec is projected to reach capacity by 2029. The city is actively working toward solutions by developing local facilities for composting and producing renewable natural gas, making considerable progress toward reducing landfill waste.
Related: The Toronto Plastic Ban Breakdown
Montreal Plastic Ban Compliant Products from Origin Sustainables
For over three decades, Origin Sustainables has been offering eco-friendly solutions that blend innovation with sustainability. Our expertise and proactive research allows us to stay ahead of regulatory changes, ensuring our products always meet the latest environmental standards.
Our product range is designed to be kind to the planet and fully compliant with local bylaws across Canada, including the Montreal plastic ban.
With Origin, businesses don’t just meet regulations – they pave the way for a sustainable future.
