Canada will ban single-use plastics as early as 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced.

The ban will include items such as plastic bags, straws, cutlery, plates, and stir sticks, where supported by scientific evidence and warranted.

Trudeau also announced government will work with provinces and territories to introduce standards and targets for companies that manufacture plastic products or sell items with plastic packaging so they become responsible for their plastic waste.

“Canadians know first-hand the impacts of plastic pollution, and are tired of seeing their beaches, parks, streets, and shorelines littered with plastic waste,” Trudeau said.

“We have a responsibility to work with our partners to reduce plastic pollution, protect the environment, and create jobs and grow our economy. We owe it to our kids to keep the environment clean and safe for generations to come.”

Every year Canadians throw away more than 3 million tonnes of plastic waste, with less than 10 per cent recycled. About one-third of the plastics used in Canada are for single-use or short-lived products and packaging.

It is estimated up to 15 billion plastic bags are used every year and close to 57 million straws are used daily.

Last month it as announced plastic straws, drinks stirrers, and plastic stemmed cotton buds will be banned in England from 2020, following overwhelming public support for the move.

In Australia, Hobart has become the first capital city set to ban single-use plastics.

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