Waste reduction strategies

In 2022, Guelph Council approved phase 1 of the Single-Use Items Reduction Strategy, which banned plastic shopping bags and polystyrene foam containers and cups. As part of phase 2, Council directed staff to collect feedback from the community about paying fees for disposable cups and reusable bags. We appreciated the community feedback and having heard that some community members supported paying fees. Phase 2 is now focusing on changes businesses and customers can make to reduce the amount of single-use item waste they generate.

How to participate

We’re asking local food-service businesses to provide feedback on how they can support our waste reduction strategy and how easy or difficult it would be for their business to accept a customer’s clean reusable cup and container, offer reusable dishware for dine-in drinks and food, and offer food ware accessories by request or at self-serve stations only.