London bylaw: single-use plastic rules for businesses

Environmental Protection Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, businesses must follow municipal requirements and programs that limit single-use plastic items. This guide summarizes the City of London approach, who enforces rules, what typical compliance steps look like, and how to appeal or request exemptions. Use the listed official links and contacts to confirm current requirements before changing operations.

Scope and what the rules cover

The municipal approach targets items like single-use foodware, straws, stirrers, cutlery, foam containers and disposable plastic bags where local controls apply. Businesses that sell, serve or distribute prepared food should assess the types of single-use items they provide and update procurement and customer options accordingly. For full program details see the City guidance page. City guidance[1]

Check supplier alternatives early to avoid stockouts when rules take effect.

Penalties & Enforcement

The city assigns compliance and enforcement responsibility to municipal enforcement/licensing staff and the department that administers environmental or solid waste programs. Where a specific bylaw text or consolidated enforcement schedule is not published on the City guidance page, fine amounts and escalation details are not specified on the cited page; see the enforcement contact for operational details. Enforcement contact[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence procedures not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include orders to comply, seizure or removal of non-compliant items and court proceedings where enabled by municipal enforcement powers; specific measures not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing Services and the City division responsible for solid waste/environmental programs; use the official enforcement contact page to file complaints or request inspections.[2]
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits depend on the controlling instrument; if not listed on the City guidance page, they are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a notice, act quickly and contact the enforcement office listed on the notice.

Applications & Forms

There is no specific exemption form or permit published on the City single-use items guidance page; where an application is required for variances or special approvals the City enforcement or licensing page will list the form and fee. For current submission methods and any fees, contact the enforcement/licensing office through the City pages cited above.[2]

Compliance checklist for businesses

  • Audit single-use items you provide and track volumes by category.
  • Switch to reusable or compliant alternatives and update procurement timelines.
  • Train staff on what items are restricted and how to offer compliant options to customers.
  • Update pricing and point-of-sale messaging to reflect any cost differences for compliant items.
  • Keep a record of supplier certifications and product specifications in case of inspection.
Document your compliance steps to reduce risk during inspections.

FAQ

Which businesses must comply?
Businesses that sell, serve or distribute prepared food and single-use items in London must follow municipal rules and guidance; check the City page for program scope.[1]
Are reusable alternatives required?
Municipal guidance encourages reusable or certified compostable alternatives; specific material standards are not specified on the cited page.[1]
How do I report non-compliance?
File a complaint or request inspection through Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing Services as shown on the City enforcement page.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify all single-use items your business provides and quantify monthly usage.
  2. Source compliant alternatives and order trial quantities to test staff and customer acceptance.
  3. Train staff and update menus, menus boards and online listings to reflect the change.
  4. Retain supplier specifications and be ready to present documentation if inspected.
  5. If unsure, contact Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing Services for guidance or to request an inspection.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Review City guidance and audit all single-use items now.
  • Switch to reusable or compliant options and train staff.
  • Contact enforcement/licensing early if you need clarification or an exemption path.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London – Single-use items guidance
  2. [2] Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing Services

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