Vancouver will be the 1st Canadian city to ban plastic straws, foam cups and foam containers

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.

The Zero Waste Strategy 2040 strategy is approved! City Council just passed a comprehensive, made-in-Vancouver plan to get to zero waste by 2040. Big step forward towards our @greenestcity goals! #vanpoli #greenestcity pic.twitter.com/kd69htmwCt

— Van Mayor's Office (@VanMayorsOffice) May 17, 2018

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.”

Every week in Vancouver, 2.6M plastic-lined cups and 2M plastic bags are thrown in the garbage. Cups and take-out containers make up 50% of all items in public waste bins. #vanpoli #greenestcity pic.twitter.com/xYXBIrea2z

— Van Mayor's Office (@VanMayorsOffice) May 17, 2018

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.

First in Canada! Vancouver adopts new policy to prohibit polystyrene foam cups and take-out containers, and single-use plastic straws, as part of the Zero Waste 2040 strategy #vanpoli #greenestcity pic.twitter.com/FzBfbsH2R5

— Van Mayor's Office (@VanMayorsOffice) May 17, 2018

“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.