Photo: CKRW file.
Yukoners will have to make do without paper bags starting in 2023
YUKON – The Yukon Government is going paperless and doing away with paper bags.
Starting January 1, 2023, a paper bag ban will be in place in another push to make the territory more responsible when it comes to waste management.
The government says waste disposal is costly and can harm natural habitats. Single-use items, such as paper bags, use resources and emit emissions during production and transportation. This restriction is another step toward minimizing waste and safeguarding the environment in Yukon.
Minister of Environment Nils Clarke says many Yukoners have been abiding by the plastic bag ban that has been in place since January 1, 2022.
“Single-use plastic shopping bags have been banned for almost a year in the Yukon and this has resulted in less unnecessary waste. Starting January 1, single-use paper bags will also be banned in the territory as they too are polluting our environment when being produced and transported.”
Some exceptions have been made for the ban including prescription bags, take-out food bags, bags for bulk items, produce bags, and bags for live fish, flowers, and potted plants.
