Reducing Single-Use & Takeaway Items

Toronto, we’re working together to waste less and reuse more.

The City of Toronto is continuing efforts to reduce waste from single-use and takeaway items, and we need your input! This work supports Toronto’s broader goals to reduce litter and limit the amount of waste sent to landfill.

What are we talking about?

“Single-use and takeaway items” are items typically used only once before being thrown away, regardless of what they’re made of (plastic, paper, bamboo, etc.) or how they’re disposed of (e.g., garbage, recycling, or green bin). Examples include:

• Utensils, straws, and stir sticks
• Napkins, cup sleeves, and cup trays
• Condiment cups and packets

Our Progress So Far

This work builds on several years of public consultation and a phased approach to reducing waste:

• Stage 1 (2021): City Council approved the voluntary Reducing Single-Use program to encourage businesses to reduce waste and to support public education.
• Stage 2 (2024): The Single-Use and Takeaway Items (SUTI) Bylaw came into effect, requiring retail food/beverage businesses, like restaurants, to take an “ask-first/by-request” approach for items like utensils and paper bags, and to accept reusable cups and shopping bags from customers.

What’s Next? Have Your Say on Stage 3

Now, the City is exploring the next stage of the SUTI Reduction Strategy. We are seeking your feedback as we consider new measures to reduce single-use and takeaway items, such as requiring reusable cups and food containers for dine-in service and requirements for event venues and events.

Survey Details

Your input is vital. Public feedback, combined with technical considerations and City guidelines, will help inform staff recommendations to City Council.

This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Please share your thoughts by October 16th, 2025.

For more information, please visit toronto.ca/single-use.