Kit to help restaurants prepare for ban on foam containers

It looks like the city has already made new year’s resolutions for Vancouver restaurants.

The city’s ban on foam takeout containers comes into effect Jan. 1 and to prepare, the city has launched an education campaign that will help restaurants and businesses make the transition to alternative containers.

A survey cited by the city found 86 per cent of residents believe it’s important to reduce the use of single-use items like plastic and paper bags, disposable cups and takeout containers.

“Residents have told us loud and clear that they want to reduce waste from single-use items,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart.” The people of Vancouver expect the city to demonstrate leadership when it comes to environmental initiatives, and the elimination of foam takeout containers is a step in that direction.”

The city had initially hoped to implement the ban by June 1 of this year but postponed the launch until 2020 to give small businesses more time to make the transition.

The tool kit includes information that details how to find recyclable and compostable alternatives, printed in English, traditional and simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Punjabi and Filipino (Tagalog).

Also in the kit is info on compostable and degradable plastics that aren’t accepted in the city’s recycling-bin programs, along with posters and countertop signs to let customers know about the ban and changes underway.

Business can download or request a printed kit at vancouver. ca/foam.