Photo: The Canadian Press

Plastic straws are pictured in North Vancouver, B.C. on Monday, June 4, 2018.

A Winnipeg institution known for its bitty burgers is going more green.

The newest Salisbury House restaurant to open its doors has become the chain's first location to ban single-use plastic items.

The company says its other eight restaurants in Manitoba will ban plastic sometime next year and replace items with biodegradable options.

The restaurant chain has already banned plastic straws.

It says about 40 per cent of plastic is usually thrown out within minutes or days.

Noel Bernier, chief executive officer of Salisbury House, says he hopes the move will inspire other restaurants to follow.

"As an Indigenous-owned company, having a respectful relationship for Mother Earth and preserving both our water resources and the Sals experience for future generations, are a core value," he said.