Edmonton residents have been discarding fewer disposable bags following the enactment of a single-use item bylaw three years ago. However, a recent report from the city reveals that many residents are disposing of compostable and recyclable items in their garbage bins.
During a utility committee meeting on Monday, city staff presented the findings of a waste characterization study. The study involved analyzing 100-kilogram samples collected from waste trucks across the city throughout the year to identify the types of materials being discarded by residents in houses, apartments, and condos.
The single-use item reduction bylaw, which was implemented in July 2023, prohibits plastic bags, foam plates, cups, and containers, while also regulating the use of other items. The study presented to the city committee showed a 77% decrease in the number of disposable bags being thrown out by the average Edmontonian since the bylaw took effect.
Coun. Anne Stevenson expressed satisfaction with the results, stating that the bylaw has proven to be effective in reducing waste. City staff also reported that they had surpassed their goal of reducing single-use item consumption by 20% per person by 2027, achieving a 30% reduction by the beginning of 2026.
During the meeting, Coun. Jon Morgan proposed exempting restaurants from bag and fee requirements for takeout and delivery services. He highlighted the discrepancy in consumer behavior, where residents have adapted to bringing their own bags to grocery stores but resist paying for bags at fast-food establishments.
Under the current bylaw, businesses must charge a minimum of 25 cents for a paper bag and $2 for a reusable bag, with the businesses retaining the fees. Coun. Keren Tang expressed openness to potential bylaw adjustments based on feedback received from Edmontonians.
Issues of compliance were also raised, with Tang mentioning instances where businesses failed to charge bag fees as required. The city reported a significant decrease in inquiries about the bylaw, from hundreds in July 2023 to only 53 in 2026.
The city’s report highlighted challenges with waste sorting, noting that while residents are generally recycling and composting correctly, there are issues with sorting garbage. The report emphasized the need for public education campaigns and continued promotion of waste management facilities to improve waste disposal practices in Edmonton.