Arlington's Plastic Bag Ban To Start

ARLINGTON, MA — It's really happening, folks. Starting March 1, it will be illegal in Arlington for businesses to provide single-use disposable plastic bags. Yes, like the ones you see sometimes blowing around the street or stuck in trees. The ones some use to line the small trash cans in their homes or to pick up after their pets.

On Thursday, March 1 Arlington joins more than 60 other communities in Massachusetts, including Brookline and Belmont that have taken steps to reduce the number of single-use plastic shopping bags. The idea is to decrease waste and littering, protect marine life and waterways, encourage recycling and reduce Arlington’s carbon footprint.

“We understand that this will be a transition for residents, but we are excited to raise awareness about reducing waste and promoting recycling,” Public Health Director Natasha Waden said in an announcement.

This shouldn't come as a surprise to most Arlington residents. It's a regulation that's been long in coming for Arlington.

The Plastic Bag Reduction Bylaw, which Town Meeting members passed last spring, prohibits businesses from providing disposable plastic bags at checkout. The free paper bags will still be there, but town officials say the spirit of the new bylaw is that it will encourage folks to bring their own reusable bags.

Arlington's announcement comes as the state is looking at a bill that would bar stores and restaurants across Massachusetts from giving customers single-use plastic bags. A bill cleared a legislative committee last Feb. 1 and would align state law with local policies adopted from Northampton to Nantucket.

Back to Arlington:

Lest you think all plastic bags are now total contraband: The bylaw does not apply laundry and dry cleaning bags, newspaper bags, bags used for loose produce, self-service bags used for bulk items, or other bags used to contain or wrap frozen goods, meat or fish, regardless of whether the items are pre-packaged.

The new bylaw will be implemented in two phases.

In the first phase, beginning March 1, customers will notice changes at larger establishments (10,000 square feet or bigger). This includes grocery stores, pharmacies and some retail stores.

The second phase, which provides small retailers (less than 10,000 square feet) additional time to comply with the bylaw, will take effect on July 1.

Anyone with questions about the Plastic Bag Reduction Bylaw should contact the Arlington Health Department at 781-316- 3170.

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Want more? Check this out:

State Moves Plastic Bag Ban Bill Forward

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch