Bedford Plastic Bag Ordinance: What You Need To Know

BEDFORD, MA – At the 2017 Bedford Town Meeting, the Town voted to approve a by-law eliminating the use of thin film, single-use plastic bags at businesses in Bedford. Effective Oct. 1, single-use bags will be prohibited from being distributed or sold at any local business.

A "thin film single-use plastic bag" is defined as a bag, typically with plastic handles, with a thickness of 2.5 mils or less, intended for the single use of products purchased at a business. Reusable bags made of cloth, thick plastic, fabric or other durable materials are recommended.

Businesses are advised to get rid of their stock of plastic bags by Oct. 1. The Town may issue a citation ranging from $25 for a first offense to $100 for third and subsequent offenses.

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