Calgary’s single-use item bylaw takes effect Tuesday

Get ready to fork over a little extra cash for new paper and reusable shopping bags — Calgary’s single-use items bylaw takes effect Tuesday.

As of Jan. 16, the next time you visit the grocery store or a drive-thru, extra charges will be added for paper bags and other single-use items like utensils, straws, stir sticks, and napkins.

Plus, shoppers and diners need to be sure to ask for the items, or they’ll be out of luck.

The City of Calgary sent an informational video to local businesses to prepare them for the introduction of the bylaw.

According to the city, businesses will charge at least 15 cents for paper bags, and one dollar for reusable bags.

Businesses that don’t implement extra charges or provide bags to customers without a request could face fines of more than $250 under the so-called ‘bag tax.’

Some Calgarians are unhappy about the extra cost.

One Reddit user calls it “insane” while another complains they want to go to a drive-thru and have employees give them each item one-at-a-time off a tray as per the city’s requirement.

Bags carrying prescription drugs, fish or frozen food, or items in bulk are exempt from the bylaw.

Jennifer Andrews with YYC Food Trucks acknowledges they will past on the extra cost to the customer.

“We’ve been gearing up for this for a while,” she said, adding she will steer customers in the right direction to adhere to new rules. “We’ll obviously prompt them because you don’t want them walking away unhappy — it’s pretty hard to eat poutine with your fingers.”

Coun. Sonya Sharp said that council may need to revisit the bylaw if it doesn’t work.

“There’s some folks that are already complaining to us that they’re stopping at fast food stores and given all their food and no bag,” she said. “This is going to be a big change for families who really rely on fast food for their getting around the city.”