While many B.C. municipalities look at banning plastic bags, a similar move by the Cariboo Regional District isn’t likely.
The CRD says while cities and towns have the power to regulate business transactions like providing plastic bags, regional districts don’t have the same authority.
That doesn’t mean plastic isn’t a problem; the CRD says the bags can only be recycled at depots, which causes many to end up in the garbage and then in the landfill.
Cariboo landfills are exposed to wind and birds, which sees plastics scattered into areas where they negatively affect fish and wildlife.
The CRD says the best way to cut down on the impact of plastic bags, is to bring a reusable one to the store and to recycle any plastic ones you end up with.
More information can be found at the Cariboo Regional District website and the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society Waste Wise Program.
