Canada moves to eliminate single-use plastic from grocery stores with ‘first-of-its-kind reuse progr

In a ‘first-of-its-kind reuse program,’ three major Canadian supermarket chains that can be dropped back to the store. Ottawa will soon be rolling out the pilot project at major grocery retailers.

 

Designated stores of Walmart, Metro and Sobeys in the Ottawa region will receive reusable plastic containers starting in April. 

 

Moreover, customers will get options both in store or outside the stores to retain the boxes after purchasing the items. The containers will be provided at no cost.

 

This week, the Circular Innovative Council announced the pilot project in collaboration with major retail stores and support from the Environment and Climate Change Canada. Ottawa is one of the council’s partners and it has been slated as an appropriate fit.

 

“Starting with the development of a unique reusable food container pilot planned for launch in Ottawa in mid 2024, this national program aims to demonstrate scalable, convenient, and permanent solutions to reducing single use plastic packaging through innovative, collaborative reuse models,” the council said. 

 

Jo-Anne St. Godard, Executive Director of Circular Innovation Council said that reusing is a critical pathway to ultimately eliminating the plastic use.

 

“The cooperation and collaboration between our participating grocery retailers and the Government of Canada is truly unique and demonstrates their commitment to addressing the plastic waste crisis. 

 

“Canadians have voiced their environmental and cost concerns around the plastic crisis and are wanting innovative solutions,” Jo-Anne St. Godard said.

 

Apart from container drop-off locations, technology service partner Reusables.com is designated to provide the smart return bins. The company will be able to track container movements through washing and distribution.

 

The council said that through this unique model, “the ownership of the reusable containers will be shared between the grocery retailers and other food service pilot participants in the pilot area.”

 

St. Godard mentioned that a few details are yet to be finalised, including selecting the exact neighbourhood for the project. A segment of Bank Street is under consideration for the same

 

Furthermore, grocery stores will have the autonomy to decide on the types of reusable containers they will utilise, along with the specific products for which these containers will be applicable.