Boston's Plastic Bag Ban Begins

BOSTON, MA — Begining Friday, Dec. 14, the city's plastic bag ordinance goes into effect and that means bring reusable bags to the grocery store, or be prepared to pay extra for a bag.

The Boston City Council unanimously voted last year in favor of banning single-use plastic shopping bags less than 3 millimeters thick. Shortly after the ban was signed by Mayor Marty Walsh. The time delay gives businesses time to research alternatives or get on board.

“We know that single-use plastic bags have an impact on the environment. They often end up in City streets and gutters, abandoned lots, and even in trees,” reads the city's website explaining the ban. “Through this ordinance, the City aims to reduce the use of disposable checkout bags by retail stores in Boston.”

The ban first goes into effect for bigger businesses - those with more than 20,000 square fee. On April 1, 2019, stores with 10,000 square feet or more will have to join in. And by July 1, 2019, all shops, regardless of how big they are, will need to comply.

Dozens of Massachusetts towns and cities including neighboring Brookline and Cambridge have already instituted such a ban and offer paper bags instead of plastic. In Brookline there's no charge for the paper bag, in Cambridge cusomers have to pay. Proponents are cheering the addition of the state's largest city to the list.

Mass Green Network said this is the state's 60th law restricting plastic bags.

What does this mean for Boston shoppers?

You'll need to bring reusable bags when you go shopping unless you want to be charged a 5-cent minimum fee for one at the check out line.

To ease the transition a bit Boston area Stop and Shops are planning to hold a reusable bag giveaway at all Boston stores. The first 300 customers at each store on December 14 will receive a free reusable bag.

Stop and Shop announced they're donating the money collected from the paper bags to the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, which maintains, restores and protects the parks of the Emerald Necklace designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Any bags less than 5 mm thick, such as produce bags, dry-cleaning bags, newspaper bags, and the really thin bags used to wrap foods will still be permitted for now.

The point of the ban, say government officials, is to reduce litter and provide environmentally friendly options, protect the marine environment and waterways and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to the city.

Jamaica Plain's city councilor Matt O'Malley introduced the ban. Read more about the ban here.

Stop & Shop Stores where you can get a free bag if you shop early on Dec. 14:

• 950 American Legion Highway, Roslindale
• 545 Freeport Street, Dorchester
• 713 East Broadway, South Boston
• 301 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
• 60 Everett Street, Allston
• 1620 Tremont Street, Boston
• 1025 Truman Parkway, Hyde Park
• 1100 Massachusetts Avenue, Dorchester
• 460 Blue Hill Avenue, Roxbury
• 214 Harvard Avenue, Allston

Time Up For Plastic Bags In MA?

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