Vancouver City Council reached a monumental decision on Wednesday.
Council voted to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of plastic straws, as well as foam cups and take-out containers.
It’s all part of Vancouver’s plan to have zero waste by the year 2040, which is being called the Zero Waste 2040 strategy.
“Every week in Vancouver, 2.6 million plastic-lined cups and 2 million plastic bags are thrown in the garbage,” read a tweet from Vancouver’s Mayor’s Office. “Cups and take-out containers make up 50% of all items in public waste bins.”
That pales in comparison to the 7 million straws that end up in Vancouver’s garbages each week.
In another tweet, the mayor’s office reported that it costs Vancouver taxpayers $2.5 million a year to clean up plastic bags, disposable cups and containers.
“In Vancouver, we’re hearing strong support from local businesses, environmental groups and the general public and I’m confident that this comprehensive strategy will help us become a clean, zero-waste city," said mayor Gregor Robertson.
The ban, which has been debated and consulted for the past two years, goes into effect on June 1, 2019.
The year before implementation will give businesses a chance to adjust and accommodate the new rules.