Canada's plastic ban may expand to include takeout cups and bottles

A Federal Court of Appeal ruling lets Ottawa keep the toxic designation for manufactured plastic items, preserving a ban on six single-use plastics. Environmental groups are urging the government to expand the ban to include takeout cups, lids and bottles and to consider reuse or deposit-return systems.

A Federal Court of Appeal decision upheld the federal government's ability to list manufactured plastic items as toxic, allowing Ottawa's ban on six single-use plastics to remain in place. Community clean-up groups report fewer bags and straws since earlier measures and say they still collect large numbers of cups, lids and bottles. Environmental advocates want the next phase of regulation to target takeout cups, lids and bottled drinks and propose reuse or deposit-return approaches. The Environment Minister welcomed the court ruling but did not commit to expanding the ban immediately. Key points: - The Federal Court of Appeal ruled unanimously to restore the toxic designation for manufactured plastic items, overturning a 2023 ruling. - The decision allows the federal ban on six items — including plastic bags, straws, stir sticks, cutlery, six-pack rings and certain takeout containers — to continue. - Environmental groups and cleanup volunteers say they still find many takeout cups, lids and bottles and are calling for reuse systems or deposit-return programs. - Government officials celebrated the ruling but have not announced concrete next steps; some industry groups and opposition figures have criticized the decision or indicated they are reviewing options. Summary: The court ruling preserves Ottawa's authority to enforce the existing single-use plastics ban and has intensified calls from environmental groups to target additional items such as takeout cups and bottles. Undetermined at this time.