August 1st, 2025
The City of Guelph’s recently updated Single-Use Items Bylaw (2024–20938, amended 2025–21033) is reshaping how restaurants operate, especially when it comes to packaging, takeout, and customer service practices. Aimed at reducing environmental waste, the bylaw introduces significant restrictions on single-use plastics and mandates changes in how food and beverage items are served. While the intention is to promote sustainability, restaurants across Guelph will face new compliance responsibilities, potential costs, and operational shifts.
Ban on Plastic Shopping Bags:
As of the bylaw’s enforcement, restaurants can no longer provide plastic shopping bags of any kind, including those labeled biodegradable or compostable. Only paper bags (with at least 40% recycled content) or reusable fabric bags may be offered, and only after a customer confirms they want one. The cost must be clearly listed on receipts, and restaurants cannot discourage customers from bringing their own bags.
Elimination of Polystyrene Foam Containers:
Prepared food can no longer be served in polystyrene foam containers (e.g., Styrofoam clamshells, cups, plates). Restaurants must switch to alternatives such as compostable, recyclable, or reusable containers, which could lead to higher sourcing costs or a reevaluation of suppliers.
Accessory Items Must Be Optional
Cutlery, stir sticks, straws (except single-use straws), drink cup trays, condiment packets, and similar accessory items may only be provided upon customer request – either in person, through a self-serve station, or via online ordering platforms. Restaurants must post visible signage informing customers of this change.
Reusable Cup and Container Acceptance:
Restaurants are now required to accept customer-provided reusable drink cups for in-store orders, provided they are clean and in good condition. As of September 1, 2025, this rule will expand to include reusable food containers. However, drive-thru and delivery orders are exempt. Businesses must also clearly indicate that they accept reusable containers.
These changes may appear simple on paper, but they require Guelph restaurants to retrain staff, update POS and ordering systems, and modify customer communication, especially for online orders. Operators will also need to source and stock new compliant packaging, which could be more expensive or less readily available than banned alternatives like foam or plastic.
Compliance will be monitored by municipal enforcement officers, with fines reaching up to $100,000 for repeated offences under the Provincial Offences Act. Failure to cooperate with inspectors or obstructing inspections may also result in penalties.
The bylaw allows exemptions for:
While the Single-Use Items Bylaw reflects Guelph’s environmental values, it introduces real challenges for restaurants especially small, independent operators who may lack the resources to adapt quickly. By taking early action and investing in sustainable alternatives, Guelph’s food service industry can lead the way in environmentally responsible business practices while avoiding costly fines or reputational risks.
No. Plastic shopping bags, including biodegradable and compostable ones, are banned. You may only provide paper bags with at least 40% recycled content or reusable fabric bags, and only if the customer confirms they want one.
No. The bylaw prohibits the use of polystyrene foam (e.g., Styrofoam) for any prepared food. You must switch to recyclable, compostable, or reusable alternatives.
Yes. You must accept clean, reusable drink cups for in-store orders. Starting September 1, 2025, you must also accept reusable food containers, unless the order is through a drive-thru or for delivery.
Violations can result in fines up to $100,000 for repeat offences, and enforcement will be conducted by municipal officers under the Provincial Offences Act.
