Can Hamilton wean itself off single-use plastics?
City councillor says it's time for a 'zero plastic waste plan'
Hamilton city councillors will debate Monday whether to make a plan to discourage residents and businesses from using single-use plastic — including not accepting the material at local landfills.
Nrinder Nann, a Ward 3 city councillor, says plastic is a direct threat to the ecosystem and human health. And only 34 per cent of it in Hamilton is recycled.
She wants the city to develop a "zero plastic waste plan" that would push businesses to phase out using plastic when there are other options. That includes public education or not allowing them at landfills.
The city just declared a climate emergency, Nann said. It's time.
"Council sent a message that we will not be part of the problem," said Nann, who'll bring it to city council's public works committee Monday. "This motion is part of the solution."
In a media release from Nann's office, Ian Borsuk of advocacy group Environment Hamilton calls the motion "serious action."
"In reducing waste produced, our community can eliminate litter that pollutes our waterways," Borsuk, the agency's climate campaign coordinator, is quoted as saying.
John-Paul Danko, Ward 7 (west Mountain) councillor, will second Nann's motion. The meeting is at 9:30 a.m.