The second largest city in Canada will officially put a single-use plastic bag ban into effect starting on January 1, although true enforcement won’t begin until June. Montreal officials said recently they will move forward with the new law, after previously suggesting they might postpone a decision until reviewing more information. The law was passed in 2016.

According to officials, the ban will apply to plastic bags, conventional plastic shopping bags (less than 50 microns), as well as oxo-degradable, oxo-fragmentable and biodegradable shopping bags, no matter their thickness. 

Companies that violate the law face fines of $400 to $2,000 for a first offense and $500 to $4,000 for a subsequent offense. Until the summer, though, officials will be using awareness campaigns to compel compliance. After June 5, enforcement will begin.

Customers will be encouraged to bring reusable bags to stores – offering opportunities for promo sales – or stores can still provide paper and thicker plastic bags, officials said. Small plastic bags, like those used for medications and produce, will be exempt from the ban.

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