Promoting Reusable Food Serviceware at Toronto Restaurants - by Councillor Jaye Robinson, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford

According to a recent report from the Province's Special Advisor on Recycling and Plastic Waste, up to 30 percent of items collected in blue boxes are sent to landfill. The production, consumption, and disposal of single-use plastics are particularly problematic as these items do not decompose easily. As these items break down over time, the tiny particles or microplastics that are produced pollute our air, food, drinking water, and natural environments. In 2016, researchers estimated that 10,000 metric tons of plastic and microplastic debris enter the Great Lakes every year. In April 2019, City Council voted to develop a plan to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic products in all City of Toronto facilities, events, and campaigns. In 2018, my motion directing City staff to develop a process to limit or eliminate single-use products, such as black plastics, that are not accepted in the City's Blue Bin Recycling Program, was adopted. Throughout 2018, City staff sought feedback from Torontonians on how they think the City should reduce single-use and takeaway items. Over 20,000 residents participated in this initiative. Many quick-service restaurants in Toronto have reduced their environmental impact by providing reusable food serviceware for eat-in customers. With encouraging developments at the federal and provincial levels, this is an opportunity to take further action to address plastic pollution in our City.