Charge will be repealed along with the need for businesses to accept customers’ clean returnable cups
Businesses in Vancouver will no longer be necessary to charge a fee for single-use cups as of May 1, a move that reverses a choice by the previous city council.
A statement from the city Tuesday says the 25 % fee will be repealed along with the need for businesses to accept customers’ clean recyclable cups.
Though, it says businesses are still encouraged to accept recyclable drinking cups and offer discounts to customers who bring their own.
The fee took effect at the start of last year as part of a plan to reduce waste from single-use items.
City of Vancouver changes disposable cup fee, allows exemptions in particular cases
The city’s statement says staff is to report back to council by the end of the year with references for other policies to help reduce single-use cups.
The motion to scrap the fee put forward by Coun. Rebecca Bligh says it did not result in a shift in the behavior of consumer and came with negative consequences, including “equity impacts” on susceptible people.
