Monday, May 16, 2022 – The District of Sooke is reminding the public and businesses that single-use plastics checkout bags are to be phased out by May 22, 2022 as the Checkout Bag Bylaw comes into effect.
The purpose of the bylaw is to regulate the use of single-use checkout bags by residents and businesses in an effort to reduce litter and waste in our community and our landfill.
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.
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.
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: