Single-use Retail Bag Program

As of February 1, 2011, all paper, plastic and biodegradable bags cost 25¢ in all NWT  stores.

Phase II of the Single Use Retail Bag Program

Start a Bag Habit!  Starting February 1, 2011, all paper, plastic and biodegradable bags will cost 25 cents in all NWT stores.  Did you remember your reusable bags today?

Compact Reusable Bags in your Mailbox!  If your household would like reusable bags and did not receive a pair in the mail, click here.

The Single-use Retail Bag Program (SRBP) is the second program created under the Waste Reduction and Recovery Act. It was implemented on January 15, 2010 to address millions of disposable shopping bags that cause unsightly litter in our communities and on the land. Disposable shopping bags take a long time to break down and use a lot of natural resources and energy for manufacturing and shipping to northern communities. They also take up space in our landfills.

As of February 1, 2011, the Single-use Retail Bag Regulations apply to the SRBs distributed by all NWT stores.  (Click here for a plain language summary of the Single-use Retail Bag Regulations.)

Q: How much do bags cost?

All paper, plastic and biodegradable bags now cost 25 cents (plus GST) in all NWT stores.  This includes bags designed for carrying pruchases out of the store.  It will not include bags used inside the store for unpackaged bulk items like produce, bakery items, candy and small hardware items.  It will also not include other bags such as those used for dry cleaning, prescriptions or primary packaging of prepared food.

Q: Why will it cost so much money for each bag?  Why not 5 or 10 cents?

Studies have shown that when a bag costs 5 or 10 cents, there is an initial drop in consumption, but after some time consumers absorb the additional price into everyday expenses and begin paying for bags.  A 25 cent environmental fee will ensure consumers don't become accustomed to the fee and begin pruchasing bags.  Residents will only have to pay the fee if they don't bring their reusable bags.

Q: How does the program work?

  • Consumers pay a 25¢ surcharge for each single-use retail bag (SRB) they get from a retail store. (The fee should appear on the customer’s receipt.)
  • The retail store pays the distributor 25¢ for each SRB they receive from the distributor.
  • The distributor pays the Environment Fund 25¢ for each bag provided to NWT retail stores.
  • All retailers and distributors must register with the GNWT

 

Q:  Who is included in the program?

All NWT retail stores are included in the program; this includes clothing stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, hair salons, florists, wholesalers, etc. Restaurants are not included in the program.  Every NWT household will receive two compact reusable bags through the mail this spring as part of the program implementation.

Q: Where does all the money collected from the program go?

Revenue generated from the program goes into the Environment Fund, which is used for program administration and to fund the expansion of future waste reduction and recovery programs, like e-waste.

Q:  Why were only grocery stores included in Phase I of the program and not all retailers?

Phase I of the program was meant to determine how feasible implementing a bag program could be.  Grocery stores were determined to sell the most bags compared to other retail stores in the NWT, and the greatest reduction in consumption would occur in this sector.  Once Phase I was running smoothly, the GNWT began work on Phase II.  The intent was always to include all NWT retailers in the program.   

Q:  Paper and plastic bags don't take up much space in landfills, why charge for bags when the government could be recycling something bigger, like electronics?

In the hierarchy of waste management, the gold medal goes to reducing the amount of waste we produce.  Reduction is the most important action in waste management.  The silver medal is reusing, and the bronze medal is awarded for recycling.  Future expansion of the Waste Reduction and Recovery Programs will include e-waste.

 

Click here for useful tips and helpful hints to help you remember your bags and survive without disposable shopping bags!