Checkout Bag Bylaw Comes Into Effect May 22, 2022

Friday, April 22, 2022 –  Today is Earth Day and marks the one-month countdown to a milestone in Sooke’s history as we do our part to reduce plastics in the environment with the implementation of the Checkout Bag Bylaw.

On November 22, 2021 Sooke adopted its checkout bag bylaw to reduce the volume of plastic bags ending up in landfills and the environment. The new bylaw comes into effect on May 22, 2022.

This bylaw is in place to encourage consumers to bring their own reusable bags for retail transactions. Following provincial legislation, businesses must charge for paper and reusable checkout bags. The District’s bylaw sets a minimum of $0.25 for paper checkout bags provided at the point of sale, and a minimum of $2.00 for reusable bags.

“We recognize this has already become a regular practice for many shoppers and a transition several local businesses have already made, thank you for your leadership!  We are pleased to take one more step to reduce waste while caring for our natural environment,” said Mayor Maja Tait.

The district has been working with businesses since the bylaw was passed to support them in making the change. With this new bylaw, businesses are no longer able to distribute free checkout bags. Businesses are permitted to implement a “take a bag, leave a bag” program for plastic checkout bags to reduce the financial impact on customers for whom the minimum charges for paper bags and reusable are prohibitive.

Printable Resources:

Businesses are welcome to pick up promotional materials at the District of Sooke Municipal Hall or Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce.

Sooke Municipal Hall
2205 Otter Point Road
Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
Closed Statutory Holidays
Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce
6631 Sooke Road, #1A
Monday to Friday, 8am to 2pm
(other times by appointment)

Learn more:

Media Contact:
Christina Moog, Communicators Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
cmoog@sooke.ca