Dawson City Implements Single Use Plastic Bylaw

Wednesday, 22 April 2020 17:27

Dawson City's Single Use Plastics Bylaw came into effect on April 22, 2020, and prohibits businesses from providing customers with plastic shopping and produce bags, plastic drinking straws, plastic utensils, or plastic and polystyrene foam takeout containers and cups.

Dawson joins a growing list of municipalities who are taking measures to extend the life of their landfills and reduce impacts on the environment.

The bylaw was developed over several months and benefited from the input of local businesses, many of whom had already transitioned to a plastic-bag-free operation. The new municipal ordinance received third reading in February. The delay in implementation was meant to give businesses time to adequately plan and adjust to the new rules.

Mayor Wayne Potoroka said in a statement, "This is a small but important step in cutting back on waste and respecting the environment. Council is pleased to have this item finally off its to-do list and thanks the staff, community members, and businesses who were integral to giving this bylaw life."

Given the COVID-19 pandemic and in the interest of public safety, the Chief Medical Officer was asked about concerns relating to using reusable bags. He confirmed reusable bags are not a risk at this time.

The bylaw is available at www.cityofdawson.ca.

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