The Yukon is continuing to move forward with a more responsible waste management in the territory. Starting January 1, 2023, single-use paper bags will be banned in the Yukon.
Disposing of waste is expensive and can tarnish natural environments. Single-use products like paper bags are resource-intensive and create emissions when being produced and transported. This ban is another step in reducing waste and protecting the Yukon’s environment.
The single-use paper bag ban follows the Government of Yukon’s ban on single-use plastic bags which was implemented on January 1, 2022.
Single-use plastic shopping bags have been banned for almost a year in the Yukon and this has resulted in less unnecessary waste. Starting January 1, single-use paper bags will also be banned in the territory as they too are polluting our environment when being produced and transported. Many Yukoners are already taking their reusable bags or bins to the store with them and this is another step we can take to continue to reduce waste in the Yukon.
Minister of Environment Nils Clarke
Retailers can use remaining single-use paper bags up until January 1. It is recommended that retailers donate leftover single-use bags to non-profits such as the Food Bank who can continue to use them.
There are exemptions to the bag ban. They include:
- prescription bags;
- take-out food bags;
- bags for bulk items (food or hardware like nails and bolts);
- produce bags;
- bags for live fish, flowers or potted plants; and
- tire bags.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Chantelle Rivest
Communications, Environment
867-334-9815
chantelle.rivest@yukon.ca