Plastic pollution
Information sheet
Plastic pollution is considered to be plastic that is discarded, disposed of, or abandoned in the environment outside of a waste management system (such as a recycling facility or a landfill).
In an environmental context, plastics are often categorized by size, with macroplastics being larger than 5 millimetres (mm) and microplastics being less than or equal to 5 mm.
The Government of Canada conducted a science assessment to summarize the current state of the science regarding the potential impacts of plastic pollution on human health and the environment, as well as to guide future research and inform decision-making on plastic pollution in Canada.
- Discussion paper on a Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastic Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution
- Adding substances to Schedule 1
- Science assessment of plastic pollution
- Timelines
Discussion paper on a Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastic Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution
In October 2020, Environment and Climate Change Canada published a discussion paper on a Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastic Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution for a public consultation period ending on December 9, 2020.
Adding substances to Schedule 1
Plastic manufactured items have been proposed to be added to Schedule 1.
- Proposed order adding plastic manufactured items: Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 154, No. 41 – October 10, 2020.
Science assessment of plastic pollution
On October 7, 2020, the Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution was released and the related notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 154, No. 41 on October 10, 2020. A summary table of public comments received on the draft science assessment has also been published.
The science assessment provides a review of the available information on plastic pollution, including its sources, occurrence, and fate, as well as on the potential effects of plastics on the environment and human health. The science assessment is not intended to quantify the risks of plastic pollution on the environment or human health, but rather to survey the existing state of science in order to guide future scientific and regulatory or other activities.
The draft science assessment was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 154, No. 5 on February 1, 2020 for a 90-day public comment period.
Timelines
Date | Activity |
---|---|
October 10, 2020 |
Publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, of the proposed Order to add plastic manufactured items to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and start of the 60-day public comment period. |
October 10, 2020 |
The notice related to the Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. |
October 7, 2020 |
Publication of the discussion paper on a Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastic Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution and start of the public consultation period ending on December 9, 2020. |
October 7, 2020 |
Publication of the Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution. |
March 27, 2020 |
Extension of the public comment period by 30 days, ending on May 1, 2020. |
February 1, 2020 |
Publication of the related notice in the Canada Gazette, Part I, and start of 60-day public comment period. |
January 30, 2020 |
Publication of the Draft Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution. |
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