Brossard Adopts By-Law Prohibiting Distribution of Plastic Shopping Bags in the Municipality

BROSSARD, QC, Febr. 16, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - During a regular meeting of the Municipal Council on February 16, the City of Brossard adopted by-law 351 prohibiting the distribution of plastic shopping bags by businesses across the municipality. Brossard is one of the first major cities in Quebec to implement a concrete measure for reducing waste at the source.

"The City began evaluating this issue almost a year ago. A survey of residents conducted in 2015 indicated that 63% of the population was in favour of banning single-use plastic bags," said Brossard Mayor Paul Leduc. The new by-law is aligned with the City's Environmental Policy, 2013-2030 Strategic Plan and 2015-2017 Environmental Action Plan. "We hope that implementing this by-law, which is aimed at the sound management of waste materials, will inspire residents to follow our example and adopt a sustainable lifestyle for the benefit of future generations," the Mayor added.

Awareness Campaign
The by-law will enter into effect on September 1, 2016. During the transition period, information and awareness activities will be conducted until September, giving residents and merchants time to progressively adapt to the new measure. Featuring the slogan "Oui, j'ai mon sac!" ("Yes, I've got my bag!") and the hashtag #ouijaimonsac, the campaign will encourage residents to change their habits by bringing reusable bags when they go shopping.

Prohibited and Acceptable Shopping Bags

Prohibited:

• Single-use shopping bags made of plastic
• Biodegradable shopping bags

Acceptable:

• Reusable shopping bags
• Paper shopping bags
• Bags for products sold in bulk (meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, nuts, candy, flour and grains)
• Products already packaged by means of industrial processing
• Clothing bags distributed by businesses offering dry-cleaning services
• Bags containing advertising materials (distributed door-to-door).

SOURCE Ville de Brossard

Alain Gauthier, Communications, City of Brossard, 450-923-6311