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New charges for bags in B.C. begin July 15

Click to play video: 'Province-wide changes to shopping bag rules start on July 15'
Province-wide changes to shopping bag rules start on July 15
On July 15, there will be big changes province-wide in the way British Columbians shop, specifically in how they carry their purchases home. Kristen Robinson reports – Jul 12, 2024

Changes are coming in just a few days to the way British Columbians shop and specifically how they carry their purchases home.

As of July 15, province-wide regulations will kick in that will require stores to charge at least 25 cents for paper bags and at least two dollars for reusable bags.

The government said the changes are necessary to reduce pollution caused by plastic waste.

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“Even in the Fraser Valley I think most consumers aren’t expecting this, so across most of British Columbia outside the Lower Mainland and Lower Island, this will come as a surprise on Monday that they’ll be charged 25 cents for a bag, or two dollars for a re-usable bag,” Greg Wilson with the Retail Council of Canada told Global News.

There are some exceptions for the availability of plastic bags as they will still be available for fruit and vegetables free of charge because they are not considered shopping bags.

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Click to play video: 'Is Canada’s single-use plastic ban truly environmentally friendly?'
Is Canada’s single-use plastic ban truly environmentally friendly?

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