The City of Vancouver has launched toolkits to help businesses find recyclable and compostable alternatives to foam containers, ahead of the city-wide ban taking effect on January 1, 2020.

When that date arrives, businesses will no longer be able to serve prepared food or drinks in polystyrene foam cups and foam take-out containers. This is part of a series of actions to reduce single-use item waste and achieve zero waste by 2040.

The toolkits are available in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Punjabi, and Filipino (Tagalog). Beside packaging guidelines to help find options to foam, the kit offers questions that businesses can ask suppliers and customer-focused posters and till toppers to notify of the ban.

There are also details on compostable and degradable plastics, which are not accepted in either the City’s Green Bin program or Recycle BC’s residential recycling program.

“The people of Vancouver expect the City to demonstrate leadership when it comes to environmental initiatives, and the elimination of foam take-out containers is a step in that direction,” said Mayor Kennedy Stewart in a press release. As we take strides towards our zero waste 2040 goal, it’s critical to bring businesses along – the toolkits are here to help businesses transition to more sustainable options.”

Businesses can download or request printed toolkits here.