Shopping in British Columbia changed in a big way over the last few years. Plastic checkout bags have disappeared from store counters, and shoppers now pay a minimum fee for new paper and reusable bags if they forget to bring their own.
These changes come from the province’s Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation, which works alongside federal restrictions on single-use plastics. This guide explains what is banned, what bag fees apply, which bags are exempt, what businesses must do to comply, how fees can be used, related single-use plastic rules, and practical tips for shoppers and retailers.
Table of Contents
BC Plastic Bag Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Single-use plastic checkout bags | Banned, including compostable and biodegradable plastic bags |
| New recycled paper bags | Minimum 25-cent fee |
| New reusable bags | Minimum $2 fee |
| Fee start date | July 15, 2024 |
| Reusable bag standard | Must be washable and reusable at least 100 times |
| Paper bag standard | Must contain at least 40 percent recycled fibre |
| Receipt rule | Bag fees shown as a separate line item |
How the Rules Came About
BC introduced its single-use plastic rules in stages. The changes come after B.C. introduced its single-use and plastic waste prevention regulation in July 2023, with the first restrictions taking effect in December 2023.
Federal measures also played a role. According to the provincial factsheet, as of December 20, 2023, Canada is phasing out single-use plastic shopping bags, and as of July 15, 2024, B.C. businesses must charge a fee for new reusable and new paper bags.
The province says the aim is to cut waste. Through the Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation, B.C. is phasing out many hard-to-recycle single-use plastic items – reducing waste, protecting our environment, and creating a cleaner future for all British Columbians. The province estimated that about 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packaging were disposed of in the province in 2019.
What Is Banned
Single-Use Plastic Checkout Bags
Businesses must stop handing out plastic checkout bags. The government instructs retailers not to provide customers with single-use plastic shopping bags, including those made of compostable, biodegradable or oxo-degradable plastic.
This means “eco-friendly” plastic bags marketed as compostable or biodegradable are not a legal alternative under BC rules.
Oxo-Degradable Plastics
The regulation also targets plastics that break into small fragments. It bans oxo-degradables, plastics that contain an additive that leads to decomposition or fragmentation of the plastics into smaller pieces, for single-use plastic products or packaging. Some garbage bags and dog waste bags using these additives are also affected.
Bag Fees in BC
Minimum Fees
Shoppers who need a new bag will pay for it. Businesses must charge at least $2 for each new reusable shopping bag and at least 25¢ for each new recycled paper shopping bag.
These are minimum amounts. Retailers can charge more if they choose, but not less.
Disclosure Rules
Retailers must be transparent about fees. They must let customers know about the fee in advance, and show any fee charged as a separate line item on receipts.
Customer Choice
Businesses must also make it clear that customers can avoid fees. Retailers are asked to offer customers the option to use their own bag or to go bag-less, by posting a sign or mentioning it at the register.
Bag Quality Standards
The rules also set minimum quality levels so that bags offered for sale are genuinely better for the environment.
Reusable Bags
Retailers must ensure any new reusable shopping bags they offer are durable – designed to be re-used and machine-washed at least 100 times.
Paper Bags
Paper checkout bags must meet a recycled content standard. The regulation requires a 25-cent charge for paper bags, which must contain at least 40% recycled fiber.
Which Bags Are Exempt?
Not every bag requires a fee. The province lists several exemptions, and these bags may be offered to customers free of charge:
- Used shopping bags
- Small paper bags less than 15 x 20 cm flat
- Recycled paper bags for food delivery and drive-through
- Bags used by non-profits to distribute food and hygiene products
Some small paper bags are exempt from the rules, including those used for medical prescriptions. Bags used inside stores to wrap loose produce, bulk foods or meat may be treated differently under federal and provincial rules, so retailers should check current guidance for specific packaging.
What Businesses Must Do
Retailers, restaurants, convenience stores and other businesses that give out bags must follow several steps.
Compliance Checklist
- Stop providing single-use plastic checkout bags, including compostable versions.
- Post signage encouraging customers to bring their own bags.
- Charge at least 25 cents per new paper bag and $2 per new reusable bag.
- Tell customers about fees before checkout.
- List bag fees separately on receipts.
- Buy only paper bags with at least 40 percent recycled content.
- Buy only reusable bags designed for at least 100 uses and washes.
- Train staff on the rules and exemptions.
Free Government Resources
The province offers materials for businesses. Retailers can download a reusable bag poster at gov.bc.ca/reuse. The official customer poster states that plastic checkout bags are no longer available in B.C., with a minimum 25¢ fee on recycled-paper bags and a minimum $2 fee on reusable bags.
Updating POS Systems
Retailers should create separate product codes for paper and reusable bags so fees appear clearly on receipts and sales tax is handled correctly. Accounting software should track bag fee revenue separately for reporting and budgeting.
How Businesses Can Use Bag Fees
Unlike some deposit programmes, bag fees stay with the business. Retailers may use the fees they collect as they choose: to offset their costs, for example, or to invest in a take-a-bag/leave-a-bag program.
Some businesses use fee revenue to:
- Cover the higher cost of compliant paper and reusable bags
- Run community bag-share programmes
- Support local environmental charities
- Offer loyalty rewards for customers who bring their own bags
Other Single-Use Plastic Rules in BC
Bag rules are part of a wider set of restrictions.
Takeout Containers
As of July 15, single-use plastic takeout containers and glasses that are hard to recycle, including those made with “biodegradable” and “compostable” plastics as well, will no longer be distributed in B.C. The ban includes foam food containers and Styrofoam egg cartons.
Cutlery and Straws
Earlier rules restricted single-use utensils and straws. Since December 2023, the province banned single-use plastic cutlery, and wooden forks and knives were only available on request. Straws were also largely prohibited, with a limited exemption for those who need them for accessibility reasons.
Items on Request
Restaurants and food outlets may provide some items only when customers ask, including straws (paper or other non-plastic only), single-serving condiments, napkins or wet wipes, and garnishes.
Future Phase-Outs
More changes are planned. On July 1, 2028, the province will ban the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film wrap, also known as cling film. A ban on foam containers for raw meat will be implemented on July 1, 2030.
Impact on Shoppers
Costs
For shoppers who forget their bags, fees can add up. A family buying two paper bags per trip, twice a week, would spend about $1 a week or around $52 a year. Bringing your own bags avoids these costs entirely.
Reactions
The fees drew some criticism when introduced. At the time, the Opposition BC United issued a statement saying the fees for reusable or paper bags are “punitive” and hurt consumers in the middle of an affordability crisis. Supporters argued that fees encourage reuse and reduce waste.
Tips for Shoppers
- Keep reusable bags in your car, backpack or by the front door.
- Use foldable bags that fit in a pocket or purse.
- Wash reusable bags regularly, especially those used for raw meat and produce.
- Reuse paper bags for recycling collection or storage.
- Ask for no bag on small purchases.
- Join take-a-bag/leave-a-bag programmes at local stores.
Recycling Old Bags
Plastic bags you already have at home can still be recycled. In most communities, flexible plastics such as bags and overwrap are accepted at Recycle BC depots rather than in blue boxes. Reusable bags that are worn out may be accepted as textiles or flexible plastics depending on their material, so check local guidance.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Businesses that ignore the rules may face enforcement action under provincial environmental law, which can include warnings and penalties. Staying compliant protects your business reputation and avoids unexpected costs. If you are unsure about a specific product, contact the Ministry or check the official guidance before stocking it.
Final Thoughts
BC’s plastic bag rules are straightforward once you know them: single-use plastic checkout bags are banned, including compostable versions, and businesses must charge at least 25 cents for new recycled paper bags and $2 for new reusable bags. Some small paper bags, delivery bags and non-profit food bags are exempt.
For shoppers, the easiest way to save money is to bring your own bags. For businesses, clear signage, proper receipts, compliant bag supplies and staff training will keep you on the right side of the rules while supporting less waste across the province.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are plastic bags banned in BC?
Yes. Businesses cannot provide single-use plastic checkout bags, including those made from compostable or biodegradable plastic.
2. How much do paper bags cost in BC?
Businesses must charge at least 25 cents for each new recycled paper shopping bag. Reusable bags cost at least $2.
3. Are any bags free in BC?
Yes. Used shopping bags, small paper bags under 15 x 20 cm, recycled paper bags for delivery and drive-through, and bags used by non-profits for food and hygiene distribution can be free.
