I have heard your ongoing concerns regarding affordability and the rising cost of living. I am writing to provide an update on my advocacy efforts to have the 25-cent bag fee reviewed.

This week, Utility Committee discussed the Waste Reduction Roadmap 2026-2030. This roadmap advances the City’s goal to reduce residential waste per person by 20% from 2019 levels by 2044. Following the first roadmap approved in 2021, Edmonton achieved a 10% reduction per person by 2025. Looking ahead, the 2030 goal is to further reduce waste generation to 14%.

Part of the Waste Reduction Roadmap is the Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw (20117). While parts of the current Bylaw are effective, I believe there are areas for improvement. A primary concern raised by residents during the recent election is the 25-cent charge for bags at fast food businesses and restaurants. Please note, I was not looking to make changes to the $2 reusable fee. 

As your voice at the Council table, I brought forward the following Motion at Utility Committee: 

That Utility Committee recommend to City Council: 

That Administration prepare amendments to Revised Charter Bylaw 20117 - Single-Use Reduction Bylaw to remove the requirement to charge a minimum fee for new shopping bags for businesses categorized as a Restaurant or Food Service. 

That Administration provide a report on the Waste Revitalization Study and return to committee in Second Quarter 2026 

My objective remains ensuring that the public has a formal channel to communicate their concerns directly to City Council. Specifically, the above Motion I brought forward was an opportunity to have this channel available to the public. Because this involves a bylaw change, a public hearing would be required, providing a vital opportunity for residents to share their feedback directly with council members.

However, Utility Committee did not support this Motion at this time and it is delayed until further information is available. 

Councillor Salvador brought forward the following Motion, which was carried by Committee. I was opposed to the following as I wanted this conversation to occur more immediately. 

That Administration return to Utility Committee with a report on the completed Waste Characterization Study, including recommendations, impacts and implications of potential amendments to Revised Charter Bylaw 20117 - Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaw, informed by the results of the study.

While the outcome was not a definitive win or loss, the conversation remains open. The report will return to the Committee with additional information regarding potential changes. My key takeaway from this week is that I successfully initiated a dialogue on the impacts of this bylaw. I remain concerned that the current charge disproportionately affects low-income residents, seniors and places an unfair burden on businesses to enforce the rule. I believe the City should prioritize education to help residents adjust their habits.

I will continue to be transparent as future conversations occur at Council. The next discussion is expected to take place in approximately six months. Please feel free to contact me with your feedback at [email protected]

Sincerely, 

Mike Elliott