Shoreline cleanup data shows that Canada’s single-use plastics ban is working. But it is not going far enough.

Items covered by the ban are being found less often on our shorelines. Data from the Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup Impact Report, which recorded 345,663 pieces of litter in 2025, shows that plastic bags have dropped from 2.7 items per person before the ban to 1.7 today. This demonstrates that targeted regulations can reduce plastic pollution.

But this progress is being offset by an increase in items not covered by the ban. The report also found that coffee cups and lids increased by 19% in 2025 compared to 2024.

We are calling on the Government of Canada to expand the single-use plastics ban to include coffee cups and lids, which continue to pollute our shorelines.

If we want to meaningfully reduce plastic waste, we need to respond to what the data is telling us.

Add your name to support stronger, evidence-based action on plastic pollution.