Nova Scotia considers ban on single-use plastic bags

The Canadian province of Nova Scotia has introduced legislation to ban single-use plastic bags in a year. According to a news release from the Nova Scotian government, Plastic Bags Reduction Act – Bill 152, which was introduced Sept. 26, would allow the government to regulate other single-use plastic items in the future. 

If passed, industry in the province will have one year to prepare for the legislation, the Nova Scotian government says. Retailers would still be allowed to use single-use plastic bags for live fish and bulk items. Additionally, exemptions would be available for food banks and charities, and the legislation would not require retailers to charge for alternatives to plastic bags.

“Nova Scotians are already leaders in protecting the environment and they want us to do more,” says Gordon Wilson, Minister of Environment in Nova Scotia. “We agree, it’s time to move forward. This ban will help keep plastic out of our landfills, our waterways and our environment.”